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 « September 2005 | Main | November 2005 » October 31, 2005New Book: Secrets of Podcasting
According to the publisher, Secrets of Podcasting will "help people get up to speed with this growing phenomenon--whether they want to create their own podcasts or just would like to locate and then listen to audio programs on a portable player." Author Bart Farkas provides information and advice on how to:
Secrets of Podcasting lists for $19.99. It is available at Amazon for $13.59. Source: Peachpit Press Posted by jlewin at 08:03 PM | Comments (0) iPods Go Trick-or-TreatingJared Winick is one of several intrepid trick-or-treaters that turned themselves into human iPods this year.
"I decided to be an iPod for Halloween this year," explains Winick. "I didn't just want to be walking around in a box, so I made it a fully functional costume." Winick used a tablet PC and a rewired USB mouse to create a fully-functional iPod costume. He used Java to play MP3s and control the display. Battery-powered speakers provided the sound. Not only did Winick transform himself into a human iPod, but he beat Mr. T to take the prize in a costume contest. Unfortunately for Winick, German barmaids seem to go more for the Mr. T type. No comment from Mr. T, so we can only assume that he pities the fool. Source: Jared Winick Posted by jlewin at 07:30 PM | Comments (0) Belkin Adds nano Cases
Addressing the various needs of the iPod user, three form-fitting, leather case designs are available. Belkin is offering each case in 4 colors: white, black, light blue, and light pink. "We're very excited about the new iPod nano and its exceptional engineering," comments Ernesto Quinteros, Belkin Director of Industrial Design. "Given the new form factor, it was our goal to create designs that would reflect this minimalist intent." Carabiner Case for iPod nano (F8Z057) - Estimated Retail Price (ERP) $299.99 The Carabiner Case's form-fitting design and fine-grain leather construction keeps your nano form slim while still giving you complete and easy accessibility to all ports. Featuring a Carabiner clip for convenient positioning and hands-free carrying, this Case also offers a locking clip to easily secure your iPod.
The Flip Case offers quick, easy, and convenient storage with its built-in cable-management mechanism. Designed with a multi-mount clip and hook for a variety of ways to secure your iPod nano, this Case also provides easy accessibility to all ports. The Flip Case features a form-fitting design, packaged within a fine-grain leather construction.
The Folio Case secures comfortably around your wrist with convenient lanyard strap. Designed for easy accessibility to all ports, the Folio Case comes packaged within a fine-grain leather construction and features a form-fitting design. Posted by jlewin at 07:18 PM | Comments (0) Apple iTunes Music Store Sells 1 Million Videos
Apple has announced that the Music Store has sold over one million videos since they debuted on October 12. "Selling one million videos in less than 20 days strongly suggests there is a market for legal video downloads," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Our next challenge is to broaden our content offerings, so that customers can enjoy watching more videos on their computers and new iPods." Customers can choose from over 2,000 music videos, Pixar short films and hit TV shows for $1.99. Top downloads include music videos from Michael Jackson, Fatboy Slim and Kanye West; Pixar's "For the Birds" and "Boundin'"; and episodes of ABC's hit TV shows "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives." Music videos are available from artists including Madonna, U2, Eurythmics, Coldplay and Kanye West, and animated shorts are available from Academy Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios. The iTunes Music Store also offers current and past episodes from the two most popular shows on television, "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" as well as the new drama series "Night Stalker" and the two most popular shows from Disney Channel, "That's So Raven" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." Source: Apple Posted by jlewin at 03:34 PM | Comments (0) October 30, 2005New App Rips DVDs to iPodMakayama Interactive has announced iPod Media Studio, Windows software that lets you watch home movies, feature films and TV-series on your video iPod. The software also supports 3-click DVD to iPod conversion. Users pick any video file from their harddrive, CD or DVD and with three clicks, the software turns it into a iPod-compatible movie file. Subtitled and foreign language DVDs are also supported.
A 60 Gb iPod may store up to 200 hours of home movies and tv recordings or one hundred full length feature films. The software is designed to capture all content ( AVI, MPEG1, DivX, XVID, VOB, ASF ) on all drives ( harddrive, CD, DVD, removable ) and encode it to iPod. iPod Media Studio runs on Windows XP/2000/NT. The online download price is US $32.95. A demo version is available that lets users convert 3 minutes of video. Source: Makayama Posted by jlewin at 10:23 PM | Comments (2) Site Dedicated to iPod DestructionWhile there are millions of iPod fans around the world, there are also a growing number of people that think the iPod hype is overblown. An example of this trend is Smash My iPod, a site dedicated to iPod destruction. The site set out to raise enough money via donations to buy an iPod, so they could immediately destroy it.
According to the site, "This project only exists for the sole purpose of providing satisfaction to people who always wanted to see that thing smashed and seeing the reaction of the people who just cashed in half their paycheck to buy one of these. Entertainment, nothing more!" The site managed to raise $400 to buy an iPod, and has documented its complete destruction. Source: SmashMyiPod Posted by jlewin at 04:46 PM | Comments (0) October 29, 2005Validate Your OPML
Podcasters interested in experimenting with OPML can now validate their OPML files with developer Dave Winer's new OPML Validator. OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is an XML format designed for sharing outlines of information. The OPML specification defines an outline as a hierarchical, ordered list of arbitrary elements. Enter a URL in the OPML validator, and the validator will check to see if it conforms to the OPML spec and the OPML Validation Guidelines. "Because it's a beta, you shouldn't depend on the results," notes Winer. Posted by jlewin at 03:18 AM | Comments (0) Photoshop Gurus Intro Video Podcast
Hosted by the Photoshop Guys, Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski, Photoshop TV delivers tips, step-by-step tutorials, and the latest Photoshop and digital imaging news in a entertaining format. The first episode explores photo sharpening tricks and special effects. The National Association of Photoshop Professionals ( NAPP ) is an accredited trade association for Photoshop users. Photoshop TV Video Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 03:01 AM | Comments (0) Free AppleScript Preps Movies for iPodAri Bader-Natal has released an Applescript that converts movies in Quicktime Player into an iPod-readable video. A new Library Scripts menu option, "Export front movie to iTunes," exports the movie to an iPod-friendly video format, imports it into the iTunes Library (and Videos playlist), and plays it. Next time iTunes syncs, the movies will be copied to the iPod. Requirements:
Quicktime Pro is not required. The script can be downloaded from Bader-Natel's site. Posted by jlewin at 02:51 AM | Comments (0) October 28, 2005PC Owners Rate Apple iPods Best MP3 Players
"It's no surprise that Apple scores first overall, first among MP3 players in the first year of ownership, first among flash players, first among mini hard-drive players, and first among big hard-drive players," notes PC Week. "The iPod's scores are among the highest in any category in the survey." Apple's players ranked either Very Good or Excellent in every category in the survey. "The race for second place is more interesting: Creative, Dell, and iriver battle for that position, the latter nearly matching Apple on sound quality, with Dell coming closer on ease of use." The magazine calls reliability the iPod's Achilles' heel. Nine percent of iPod users report that their units have needed repair in the past 12 months. Overall, only 3 percent of flash players needed repair service, compared with 7 percent of hard drive units. In related news, Apple also topped PC Week's ranking of wireless home network routers. Source: PC Week Posted by jlewin at 07:59 PM | Comments (1) 100 iPod-Killer Wannabees R.I.P.Over 100 small and medium-sized MP3 music player factories have closed in China over the past few months. "In Shenzhen only, three brands of MP3 players die out silently per month on average," Jia Yaoyong, general manager of the north China branch of the Dazhong Electronic Appliance Company, was quoted as saying. Two years ago, there were at least 300 MP3 player brands in the domestic market. The figure has declined to around 100, said Jia. Four years ago, it was very easy and cheap to set up MP3 player factories in China, with profit on each player exceeding 200 yuan (24.7 US dollars). Increased competition has resulted in the closedown of many small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Posted by jlewin at 07:49 PM | Comments (0) Sonnet Intros Extended-Life iPod BatteriesSonnet Technologies has introduced a line of high-capacity replacement batteries for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation iPod models (including iPod with color display), and iPod mini. Sonnet supplies all the required tools, as well as detailed installation instruction videos (in English, French, German, and Japanese) in each package. All iPods use rechargeable batteries subject to a limited number of charge cycles, and their charge capacities become diminished as time passes. Sonnet's high-capacity batteries exceed original Apple specifications - 75% greater in the case of the original 1st and 2nd generation batteries. Replacing a battery in an iPod is not like replacing the batteries in a TV remote; tools and instructions are needed. Sonnet's battery package includes the tools needed to open the iPod case. Spoken English, French, German, and Japanese language videos are included on the CD, playable in Windows and Mac computers. iPod Compatibility Pricing and Availability More information is available at the Sonnet site. Posted by jlewin at 07:16 PM | Comments (0) New Jersey Podcasters Association Launches Site
Podcasters and podcast users are welcome to participate in the site's forums and to attend monthly meetings. "We meet on Wednesday nights, usually the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm," said association founder Chris Cavallari. "We mostly meet at one of the NJPA members' office." Podcasters interested in attending NJPA meetings can check the site's forums for details, or email njpodcastersATgmail.com. Posted by jlewin at 04:07 PM | Comments (0) Fat Muffs Covers Safe and Soft
Muffs are handmade in Australia, and are made with Cordura or punching bag fabric exteriors. Cordura is used in outerware and luggage, so the covers should hold up well to rough outdoor use. The Mighty Muffs have punching bag exteriors, and MuffPod states that they "can take a beating".
If your outdoor activities include swimming, diving or other water sports, a waterproof case may be more suitable. The covers are available in two sizes. The Single Fat, $15, and the Double Fat, $19. Why so cheap? According to the MuffPod FAQ, they've shaved costs to keep prices realistic, and they're "not greedy bastards!" Source: MuffPod Posted by jlewin at 04:14 AM | Comments (0) Podner Automates Converting Video for New iPods
Drag movie files to the Podner window, tweak the settings, if needed, and Podner handles the rest. Movies show up in a special playlist in iTunes, and can be synced to video-capable iPods. Podner can work with AVI, DiVX and other video formats that can be viewed with QuickTime. Minimum Sytem Requirements:
Both iTunes and Quicktime can be downloaded from the Apple site. Source: Splasm Posted by jlewin at 04:03 AM | Comments (0) Princeton Video PodcastingPrinceton's University Channel has introduced a vodcast, or video podcast, to the podcast service it already offers. Apple's latest iPods support video podcasting - using news feeds to subscribe to free video channels. Podcasts and vodcasts take advantage of "the Internet's potential for distribution to a bigger audience for fantastic content not [previously] going anywhere," said University Channel Executive Director Donna Liu. Liu said she first added podcasting because "commercial media doesn't put out full-length presentations" of interesting lectures and speeches, using only short clips during news broadcasts instead. "In a world in which everything is increasingly privatized (Stanford has just put its lectures up on iTunes, but for a price), sharing the wealth both nationally and internationally is very consistent with the role Princeton aspires to play as a great university," Wilson School Dean Anne-Marie Slaughter '80 said in an email. Source: The Daily Princetonian Posted by jlewin at 03:53 AM | Comments (0) Washington Post Video PodcastingThe Washington Post has introduced a video podcast that features news and documentary video. In the first Washington Post video podcast personal technology columnist Rob Pegoraro discusses his initial impressions of the latest iPod which can play video and TV shows. Also included:
Source: Washington Post Posted by jlewin at 03:11 AM | Comments (0) October 27, 2005Archos Intros iPod Video CompetitorArchos has released the Gmini 402, the latest Pocket Multimedia Center of the ARCHOS Multimedia Range.
The 402 features a 20GB hard drive that can store up to 80 hours of video, 200,000 photos or 10,000 songs. "The Gmini 402 improves our PC-centric line of Pocket Multimedia Centers, offering integration with Microsoft PlaysForSure and Windows Media Audio and Video protected files," said Henri Crohas, Archos CEO. The Gmini 402 measures 4.17" x 2.37" x 0.69" and is 5.64 ounces. It has a 2.2” color LCD for viewing videos, photos and song information. Playback formats supported include MP3, WMA and protected WMA (DRM through compatible Microsoft PlaysForSure online music subscriptions ervices) for audio, MPEG-4 and WMV for video and JPEG for digital photos. Other features of the Gmini 402 include automatic syncing of media content through Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 when connected to a PC, USB 2.0 support, transfers of digital images directly from a digital camera when connected through the USB host port and movie and photo playback to a television or monitor. The Gmini 402 is priced at $299.95. Source: Archos Posted by jlewin at 08:02 PM | Comments (0) New Toilet Puts the MP3 in the WCToto Japan has introduced the ultimate toilet seat/MP3 player, the Apricot series toilet seat. Not content to settle for the usual high-tech toilet gadgets, such as a seat-heater, automatic washer and robotic action, Toto has added a full-fledged MP3 player with SD card slot.
We sh## you not. The control panel can be attached to the wall. 16 songs are included with the SD card. The high-tech seat conserves power by studying the patterns of use and and not heating the seat when the toilet is least frequently used. The fully-loaded Toto N5A seat costs 180,600 Yen ($ 1750) Source: New Launches Posted by jlewin at 07:49 PM | Comments (2) iPod Cases Inspired by KangaroosHutchings Software has announced Bosco's Pod Pouch, a lanyard case for Apple's 5g iPod and iPod Nano. Inspired by the female kangaroo, Bosco's Pod Pouch has a pouch to hold the iPod and an earbud pouch to hold earbuds when not in use. The Pouch features embroidered surfaces and color-coordinated earbuds from Jasper Unlimited.
The front face of the iPod pouch mimics the iPod front, while protecting the iPod from the harsh outside environment. The embroidered click-wheel is positioned so that the wearer can play or pause the iPod and jump to the previous or next song without removing the iPod from the pouch. The pouch lining matches the embroidery and earbuds, protecting the iPod it holds from surface scratches. The adjustable lanyard cord protects the wearer's neck from surface scratches and irritation. The earbud pouch organizes extra wire out of view, and provides a safe place to stick the earbuds when not in use. It's position is adjustable by sliding it up and down the lanyard cord. Bosco's Pod Pouch for iPod Nano will be available November 8, 2005 for $34.95. A pre-order discount price of $29.95 is in effect through November 7. Bosco's Pod Pouch for 5G iPod will be available November 22, 2005 for $39.95. A pre-order discount price of $34.95 is in effect through November 21. Both pouches come with color coordinated headphones from Jasper Unlimited (a $20 value) and can be ordered with a choice of three fabrics. Bosco's Pod Pouch can be purchased through Kagi directly from the Hutchings Software site. Posted by jlewin at 06:58 PM | Comments (0) PodBrix Releases Limited-Edition Lego iPod CasePodBrix has announced a limited-edition Lego iPod case, the BrixPod Classic. The handmade cases will go on sale Thursday, October 28th.
The BrixPod Classic is a signed and numbered limited edition of 300 units. Each BrixPod is assembled by hand from 59 genuine LEGO® parts. The BrixPod Classic can be displayed alone but is intended for use with the iPod shuffle (not included). By inserting the shuffle into the top of the BrixPod you get the effect of a fully functional music player constructed from LEGO. The shuffle is held securely and protected inside the BrixPod. By pushing on the screen area of the BrixPod the shuffle can be paused/played. An eject slider on the back of the BrixPod allows you to remove the shuffle easily. Due to the time-consuming nature of assembling each BrixPod, sales will be split into two runs of 150 units each. The first 150 units will be available for sale on Thursday (10/27) at 9:00 PM EST for $49.99 each. The second group of 150 units will go on sale approximately three weeks later. Unit numbers will be distributed randomly between all orders so everyone will have an equal chance of receiving a low number unit. Sales will be limited to no more than two units per order. Source: PodBrix Posted by jlewin at 01:43 AM | Comments (0) The Ultimate Godcasting Accessory?We wouldn't have believed it, but Devoted1.com has introduced a replacement lanyard for the iPod shuffle that turns it into the world's first MP3-playing crucifix, the iBelieve.
The site calls the iBelieve "a social commentary on the fastest growing religion in the world." The iBelieve is constructed with the same materials and precision ball-bearing snap fit as Apple shuffle caps. The iBelieve retails for $12.95 via the Devoted1.com site. Posted by jlewin at 01:17 AM | Comments (0) Next for iPods - Gameboy EmulationNot content to run Linux on your iPod? Members of the iPod Linux group are working on a Gameboy emulator for iPods, iBoy.
Features:
The emulator is free and GPL'd software. Source: iPodLinux Posted by jlewin at 01:02 AM | Comments (0) No Time to Read Hamlet? Put a Study Guide on Your iPod!
iPREPpress, a content provider for the iPod, and SparkNotes, a division of Barnes & Noble, have introduced 11 study guides for classic American and British literature for download on the iPod. The iPod study guides feature the same content as the best-selling SparkNotes study guides including context, plot overview, summary and analysis, theme, motives, key facts and quizzes, and audio hyperlinks to context, audio plot overview and audio analysis of major characters. "The iPod is a powerful tool that can make selected educational material fun and convenient to access," said Kurt Goszyk, founder of iPREPpress. "Bringing educational content to the iPod is a natural step in the evolution of iPod content." Available Titles:
"We're excited about this collaboration," said Daniel Weiss, publisher and managing director of SparkNotes. "By providing our popular study guides, formatted for the iPod by iPREPpress, we hope to provide another way for students to get the most out of their education and in a fun way." The guides sell for US $4.95 and are available at the iPREPpress site. Posted by jlewin at 12:36 AM | Comments (0) October 26, 2005Liz Phair Exiled to Podcastville
The podcast is one of the first podcasts from a popular artist that manages to keep some of the indie podcasting spirit alive. Her podcasts mix live performances of her music, soundseeing and even story time. In her latest podcast, Phair performs "Polyester Bride" and "Somebody's Miracle" with her band, there is a "soundseeing tour" of a bus breakdown, and she reads a short piece of original fiction, Retard Camp. Posted by jlewin at 11:47 PM | Comments (0) Robotic Vending Machines Offer iPods and Other GadgetsZoom Systems, a company that specializes in robotic retail automation, has announced that it's accelerating its expansion in airports, hotels, malls and even grocery stores. Zoom is implementing networks of 40 square foot robotic stores, open 24 hours a day, that sell MP3 players, cell phones and other gadgets. "Zoom Shops are not your parents’ vending machine," said Gower Smith, CEO and cofounder of Zoom Systems. "Unlike vending, we have developed the technology and intelligence to offer consumers the hottest products from $10 to $200 from the best brands. It’s like shopping online, but consumers have the instant gratification of getting
Zoom Shops in airports offer digital music players, headphones, pre-paid mobile phones, digital cameras and computer accessories. Zoom Shops in hotels offer personal electronics and computer accessories as well as the same merchandise you would expect to find in a traditional hotel store such as medicines and personal care products. "Just as ATMs extended banking services to locations far beyond the teller window, Zoom is extending the retail experience to thousands of locations where transactions weren’t possible before." Zoom plans to build a network of 3,000 robotic stores at high traffic locations over the next 24 months. Zoom Shops are centrally networked, have a touch screen consumer interface and deliver Source: Zoom Systems Posted by jlewin at 11:19 PM | Comments (0) Video iPods + Adult Content Raising Tricky IssuesWhile mainstream media appears to be picking up on the idea that video iPods may lead to an explosion of racy video podcasts, some in the adult industry and elsewhere have concerns over the issues this raises. "These devices will increase the number of [accidental porn viewing] incidents and the number of times courts will have to confront this," according to Eugene Volokh, a professor of law at UCLA and an expert in First Amendment and Web law. "And these lower-court cases may work their way up to the Supreme Court." Even adult content industry experts have concerns about using video podcasting. Brickhouse Mobile, which helps adult-oriented clients enter the mobile environment, will wait to distribute content until certain safeguards are in place, according to its president, L.R. Clinton Fayling. "I see the companies jumping in right now not as trailblazers but as guinea pigs," said Fayling. "It is a risk when you combine a device for young audiences with content for adults. Without safeguards, you open yourself up to scrutiny from the government and parent's groups. First, we need to age-verify every customer via credit card. We would not offer content for free, and we would try to wrap the content with some sort of DRM [digital rights management] tool, so it couldn't be shared." Source: Gay.com Posted by jlewin at 11:04 PM | Comments (0) MP3 Players Creating Mayhem on Corporate Networks
"MP3 players and other gadgets, which encourage people to download music or video files onto a PC or a corporate network, can eat up data storage space and slow down the network - so it’s no wonder IT directors are complaining," explains Graham Ridgway, CEO of study sponsor TouchPaper. "48 percent of IT directors also expressed concerns about home workers letting friends and family tamper with their lap tops – so maybe ‘little Johnny’ is using mum or dad’s work laptop for music downloads," adds Ridgway. The use of MP3s at work is among five key issues (below) which IT directors claim exacerbate the volume of IT support queries:
Source: TouchPaper Posted by jlewin at 10:52 PM | Comments (0) October 25, 2005IBM Discusses Their Podcasting StrategyPodTech's John Furrier recently talked to IBM’s Corporate Podcasting Team, Ben Edwards and Christopher Barger, about the company's strategy for podcasts. The PodTech & IBM podcast looks at why IBM is using podcasting, and explores Edwards' and Barger's ideas on the technology's potential within a large organization. Barger suggests that podcasting is a tool for democratizing communication. "I might not know somebody in our lab in Silicon Valley who’s a particular expert on something and have no way of realizing what they were good at, what they are so smart on, and why I should be paying attention to them, notes Barger. "By democratizing everything, by giving them this kind of a utility, it gives them a voice to get their expertise out. More importantly for me, it gives me a way of identifying who our experts are, identifying the people that I need to be paying attention to, learning more about my own company, learning more about what we have that is out there that is deserving of my attention." "As our employees become interested in generating their own content, I think the model for us in corporate is to really encourage those who have talent, who have a good voice, and who are going to improve our ability to be able to create markets, make new markets, and win business and to find them and help them set up and enable them to blog and to podcast and to reach out," said Edwards. Source: PodTech Posted by jlewin at 11:57 PM | Comments (0) PodcasterCon 2006 Registration Open
PodcasterCon 2006 is a free one day conference, open to all participants, to discuss and learn about podcasting. It's being held from 11am to 4pm, Saturday, January 7, 2006 in 111 Murphey Hall at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. The not-for-profit event is being organized by a group of volunteers from around the world. The main focus of PodcasterCon is on learning. The event will not have traditional speakers, commercial product pitches or bags full of conference swag. The event will be conducted in an Open Source conference style. Discussion topics are decided the day of the event by the people who attend. More information on this is available at the PodcasterCon site. PodcasterCon 2006 Contact: Brian Russell, Event Organizer, infoATpodcastercon.org Call for Volunteers PodcasterCon is looking for volunteers to help before and during the event, setting up signs to the event, helping participants find their way to Murphey Hall, help putting up flyers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, basic tech support, help blogging and recording the event, etc. Podcasters can also help raise awareness by displaying the PodcasterCon badge, shown above, and linking to the PodcasterCon site. Posted by jlewin at 11:40 PM | Comments (0) Pixelated Portal Promotes PodcastsMillion Dollar Podcasts is a new site that describes itself as "an advertising portal dedicated to podcasts and podcasting-related websites". Podcasters and podcasting-related websites can purchase advertising space on the site's home page, in pixels. The pixels purchased will last for a guaranteed 3 years (December 2008). The site is inspired by the domain MillionDollarHomePage.com, which pioneered the idea. The site is in "pre-launch" mode, and will go live in early November. More information is available at the site. Source: Million Dollar Podcasts Posted by jlewin at 11:19 PM | Comments (0) Oakley Intros Updated MP3 SunglassesOakley has introduced a new way to listen to podcasts and other MP3 files - the Oakley Thump 2 sunglasses.
Thump 2 is available with up to 1.0 GB of flash memor, enough storage capacity for approximately 240 songs in a design that fully integrates a music system with an eyewear frame. "Creating the world’s first digital audio eyewear required a new way of thinking," said Oakley President Colin Baden. "The idea was to combine a music player with something you’re already wearing, and do it in a way that eliminated cords and wires that dangle and tangle. We’re now taking the freedom and convenience of our original invention to a new level by offering THUMP 2 with a full gigabyte of skip-free memory." "We took the subminiature circuitry of our premier Thump and halved its size, while maintaining its world-class audio fidelity, and redesigned the speaker booms to have six directions of movement for a fully adaptable fit," added Baden. "The styling takes its inspiration from our successful GASCAN eyewear frame, a hard-edged architecture that combines a definitive fashion statement with the patented performance of XYZ Optics." The main benefit of Oakley’s lightweight, fully integrated music eyewear is complete user freedom to enjoy music during activities where tethered players with cords and separate base units can be cumbersome, or even dangerous. Permanently attached to the frame with miniature, dual-joint elbow booms, the fully adjustable speakers can swing away whenever the wearer needs to hear the environment. Frequency response covers the full range of human hearing, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. A hi-speed USB 2.0 cable is included for transferring songs from Mac or Windows PCs. In addition to MP3, WMA and WAV file formats, Oakley’s Thump 2 is also compatible with iTunes files in AAC format (.m4a). The Thump 2 will be available October 28 at the following select retail locations: Circuit City, CompUSA, Good Guys, Sports Chalet, Sunglass Hut and Ultimate Electronics, as well as Oakley’s O Stores, www.oakley.com and Iacon sunglass specialty locations. Source: Oakley Posted by jlewin at 01:36 PM | Comments (0) Disney Plans More Mobile Video Content
"My focus is to build a business based on wireless, video in-demand, broadband, interactive television, and other electronically distributive devices and content," said Chang. "We expect our mobile video subscriber business to reach 14 million in 2009, up from about 200,000 today." Chang expects deals like the one struck with Apple to deliver its shows as podcasts to contribute to that growth. One stumbling block for studios taking content to the web is the maze of intellectual property rights. "That's one of the reason you don't see a lot of content for wireless devices right now," he said. "We own the shows "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" from beginning to end of production, so now when we know a show will be good, we negotiate ahead of time to clear distribution on all platforms." Source: Information Week Posted by jlewin at 01:21 PM | Comments (0) USNews Cites Apple CEO Jobs as Top American LeaderUS News cites Apple CEO Steve Jobs as one of America's 25 Best Leaders. The brief profile highlights some of the reasons that Jobs and Apple remain some of the most interesting leaders in the tech industry. Jobs's passionate perfectionism, a contradictory blend of hot temper and cool temperament, is embedded in the soul of many new machines--iMacs, iBooks, iPods--and he has almost single-handedly altered the way we compute, play music, and view video. Says Victor Vroom, the John G. Searle professor of organization and management at the Yale School of Management: "[Jobs] is the supreme example of the transformational leader who stands for higher order values . . . he has caused people to do things they might never have done before." Source: US News Posted by jlewin at 01:14 PM | Comments (0) iPod Use Can Lead to Hand Ailments
"Handheld electronics may require prolonged grips, repetitive motion on small buttons and awkward wrist movements. This combination can lead to hand, wrist and arm ailments such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis," said ASHT President Donna Breger Stanton, MA, OTR/L, ASHT Guidelines
"Watch your posture," said Breger Stanton. "People may strain their elbows and wrists by leaning or slouching for a long period of time while working on their BlackBerries. If you are feeling discomfort or lack of circulation in your arms and hands while working with a handheld device, you could be laying the groundwork for more pain in the future." ASHT recommends performing the following hand and wrist exercises to reduce the risk of injuries when using handheld electronics:
Note: These exercises should never be painful when completing them. You should only feel a gentle stretch. Should you experience pain, please consult a hand therapist or physician. "We are giving our thumbs, wrists and elbows a real workout with heavy use of handheld electronics like BlackBerries and iPods. It’s important to warm up properly to reduce the risk of injury just like you would for any exercise routine," said Breger Stanton. "Listen to your hands and arms when using these devices," added Stanton. "Stiffness, discomfort and soreness is telling you to change your routine. You can make simple changes and be much more comfortable and healthier as you use handheld electronics." Source: ASHT Posted by jlewin at 01:01 PM | Comments (0) Autobytel Intros Auto iPod CenterAutobytel, as site that features information on buying and selling cars, has added an iPod Center that features information on iPod-ready cars and information on "iPodding" your car. The site has features CarTV, a podcast that covers automotive news. Posted by jlewin at 12:46 PM | Comments (0) iPod Users Internet Media Gurus
"iPod users have more word-of-mouth tools at their disposal to spread opinions and reviews about their iPod experiences," said Pete Blackshaw, Intelliseek's chief marketing officer. According to Intelliseek's 2005 Consumer-Generated Media and Behavior Study, iPod users are twice as likely to have authored a blog than consumers who do not own MP3 players, and they outpace other MP3 owners on creating and posting content online. iPod users are also 2.5 times as likely to exchange text messages on cellular phones (59% vs. 24% of non-owners), three times as likely to take photos with a camera phone (45% vs. 15%), and three times as likely to download video clips and movies to a personal computer (47% versus 16%). The representative study of 660 online consumers was conducted in August, 2005. The study finds that iPod users also are product innovators, significantly more likely to own digital video recorders, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, laptop computers and cell phones than non-iPod owners. They tend to link to the Internet via broadband and wireless connections, and are more likely than others to skip past or filter advertisements, especially online, a behavior that may be linked as much to high usability/interface expectations as it is to a dislike of advertising. The amount and depth of consumer-generated media about Apple products on message boards, forums, ratings sites and other CGM venues support this conclusion, the study finds. On blogs alone, nearly 1% of all new blog entries directly or indirectly mention iPod products, roughly equal to the total amount of online conversations citing MP3 players in general. First-person product testimonials about iPods also index highly across message boards, forums and ratings sites. "Provided iPods continue to delight consumers, Apple will benefit from a growing volume of free, trusted advertising from other consumers," adds Blackshaw. The Intelliseek Consumer-Generated Media Study confirms that while word-of-mouth recommendations from personal acquaintances carry the most weight in influencing purchases, even CGM from Internet strangers is a more powerful influence than paid advertising. Source: Intelliseek Posted by jlewin at 07:01 AM | Comments (0) October 24, 2005iTunes Phone - An iFlop?An article at Bloomberg.com suggests that Motorola's ROKR iTunes phone may be an iFlop. As many as six times more customers are returning the Rokr phones than is normal for new handsets, according to American Technology Research analyst Albert Lin, who said he talked to distributors, retailers and call center workers at Cingular Wireless LLC, which sells the phone. "There's an overall disappointment with the product," said Lin. "Beyond the flash of the iPod name and the newly proud Motorola marketing machine, you'd be hard-pressed to say the Rokr is a good product," said Paul Sagawa, an analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. in New York. Posted by jlewin at 11:42 PM | Comments (0) Mute Podcast Features Goldfrapp
Their first podcast features the music of Goldfrapp. Ooh La La! In the podcast, band members Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory talk about their new album Supernature (including excerpts from the album). Goldfrapp is known for its " pioneering electronics, crystalline vocals, visual theatrics and glam-sex decadence". Posted by jlewin at 11:28 PM | Comments (0) Playmates + Fake News + Video Podcasts = FoxxyNews
FoxxyNews is a take-off on Fox News, hosted by Playboy Playmates and others. The content is PG, with the emphasis on humor. A recent episode has Insannity and Combover host Andrea Lowell debating a sock puppet about Why Liberals Hate America. Current shows include:
Foxxy News Video Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 11:02 PM | Comments (0) October 23, 2005Free Virtual iPod Podcast Player
Mirpod player is built in Flash, and can read podcast RSS feeds and XSPF files, and can play MP3 files. Mirpod is available for free for non-commercial podcasts. Interested commercial podcasters can contact Mirpod for additional details. Because Mirpod is built with Flash, it doesn’t support VBR (variable bit rate) MP3 files. According to Mirpod, VBR MP3 podcasts will playback like a "Chipmunks" version of your podcast within Mirpod. Mirpod recommends encoding MP3 files with a fixed bitrate of 64/96/128 kbps, and with a sample frequency of 22.05kHz and joint stereo. Posted by jlewin at 10:37 PM | Comments (2) University of Washington Testing Lecture PodcastsAt the University of Washington, students in three classes are helping pilot an "anytime, anywhere learning" program. The University's Classroom Support Services is running a pilot project to podcast lectures for three classes. Lectures in the school's Kane Hall are often videotaped for student viewing, but that means the student must go to the library to check out the video and view it there. With podcasts the audio portion of the lecture can be downloaded to a personal listening device such as an iPod and listened to anywhere. Moreover, the new technology allows students to subscribe to lectures and have them automatically downloaded to their computers. Podcasting is also convenient for the University's support team. "Videotaping a lecture uses a lot of resources," said project director David Aldrich. "You have to have someone present to tape the lecture, then do post-production." Podcasting is easier to support, said Aldrich, so it should ultimately be possible for many more classes to be podcast than could be served with either videotaping or video streaming. Source: University of Washington News Posted by jlewin at 09:52 PM | Comments (0) CastSource Provides Front-End to Podcast SearchesCastSource.com is a new site designed to help users find videocasts and new podcasts. It acts as a front end to Yahoo and DigitalPodcast.com's searches. The service lets users to enter search terms for videocasts or podcasts. The site produces a URL of an RSS feed for that term for either videocasts or new podcasts.
The videocast RSS lets users to use the RSS feed to subscribe to videos in iTunes and other video capable RSS readers. The podcast search RSS lets users use their favorite RSS reader to receive new podcast listings for their search terms. CastSource is built on the video search service of Yahoo and the podcast search service of DigitalPodcast.com. Posted by jlewin at 09:27 PM | Comments (0) Yahoo! Bangalore Handling Podcast Service DevelopmentThe recently introduced podcast services from Yahoo! are products of the Bangalore Software Development Centre of Yahoo. Yahoo's new services let users find, listen, rate and review podcasts. "Audio search technology developed at Yahoo! Bangalore is the most sophisticated vertical search product to-date. It incorporates large scale feeds, sophisticated matching heuristics, accurate extraction of multi-media content from web crawls, and predictive relevance and ranking to accommodate a variety of parameters including popularity, keywords and download locations," said Dr Prasad Ram, Chief Technology Officer, Yahoo! R and D, India. "Applying this technology to address a growing market need to find, share, and access podcasts with the development of Yahoo! Podcasts from our Bangalore center brings new market innovations from India for the global market," he added. Posted by jlewin at 11:48 AM | Comments (0) Create Video Podcast News Feeds Via Yahoo! SearchA posting on the Yahoo! Search Blog explains how to use the search engine to create a dynamic video search RSS feed. A form is available to automatically generate feed URLs. Because the feed is generate automatically, videos may not be formatted correctly for a particular player, such as the new video iPods. You can also use URls in this form: http://api.search.yahoo.com/VideoSearchService/rss/videoSearch.xml?appid=ysearchblog&adult_ok=0&results=50&format=mpeg&query=search phrase To create a custom query, just put your search request where the query "search phrase" appears. Spaces should be escaped, as shown in the example. Add this to a video podcast aggregator, and the feed will automatically be updated as new content becomes available. Added to iTunes, the Yahoo searches show up like other video podcasts:
Posted by jlewin at 11:22 AM | Comments (0) October 22, 2005Odiogo Converts Any News Feed Into MP3 Audio
Odiogo – short for “Audio News To Go” – extracts blog posts or articles from news sites (such as The New York Times, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal) and converts them to audio files in seconds. The files can then easily be uploaded to any MP3 players or other MP3-enabled devices, giving users anytime, anywhere access to their favorite printed news content. An example of Odiogo audio is available at their site. "The radio has long provided people on the go with the latest news, but never before have listeners been able to create their own “radio shows” by mixing and matching contents from their favorite newspapers, magazines and blogs," said Patrice Khawam, founder and CEO of Odiogo. "With Odiogo, people can easily and conveniently build their own podcasts to include, for example, the business pages from The Wall Street Journal, international news from the BBC, or music reviews from Rolling Stone, and listen to the content on an MP3 player while they’re at the gym, in the car, or on the subway." Odiogo Customizes Podcasts of News Content Many articles and blog posts available on the Web today can be read through third-party websites such as Google and Yahoo! thanks to the standard distribution format, RSS. Odiogo converts the content on any website containing RSS feeds into small audio files using cutting-edge text-to-speech technology. Unlike many of its predecessors, this new breed of artificial intelligence technology observes punctuation and more natural speech patterns to provide a better quality listening experience. Odiogo comes with 200 preinstalled news feeds including The New York Times, CNN, Time, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, BBC, and Rolling Stone. Users can also easily add feeds beyond Odiogo’s list; any website that provides an RSS feed can be podcasted via Odiogo. Every page of text converts, on average, into a 2 MB audio file, allowing approximately 256 articles to be stored on a 512 MB MP3 player. Odiogo requires a PC running Windows XP or 2000 with at least 128 MB memory and 5 GB hard drive space. Having installed the software, users simply select their desired news feeds (e.g. San Francisco Chronicle Business section; BBC Health section etc) using the “Feeds” button, click “Refresh” to start downloading the latest articles from the selected feeds and convert them into MP3 files, and, lastly, drag and drop the MP3 files produced by Odiogo into Apple iTunes or any other MP3 program. "People typically use digital audio devices to listen to music," said Khawam. "Odiogo brings a new dimension to MP3 player use." Source: Odiogo Posted by jlewin at 10:31 AM | Comments (0) A Lifetime's Music Will Cost you $37,000
Research by Prudential in the UK shows that people spend a massive $37,000 (UK £21,000) on music and music gear, making it a very expensive hobby. Prudential's figure includes everything from CDs, vinyl, and MP3 downloads, to the equipment it is played on (including CD players, speakers and ipods), plus music magazines, gigs, festivals and events. "Most people would describe themselves as a music fan of some sort or another, but what is really amazing is just how much money people find themselves spending on it," Prudential’s Roger Ramsden said. "I wonder if people take this into account when they plan their finances. My suspicion is that they don’t because it is not seen as one of the big set-costs like a mortgage or bills or food. However, we can see that people spend a significant amount of money on it." Source: Easier Financial News Posted by jlewin at 10:15 AM | Comments (0) New Software Like iTunes for PSPFire International has announced PSP Music Studio PC software and USB cable for the Sony PSP console. The PSP Music Studio compliments the music playing functionality of the PSP, letting users organise their PSP music in one place. PSP Music Studio lets users import their existing CD music collection and convert CD's to MP3 for playback on PSP; keeping the album, artist and track names. Music Studio also works alongside iTunes, allowing AAC or MP3 tracks to be "dragged and dropped" from iTunes into the PSP Music Studio. PSP Music Studio will automatically change the extension of iTunes AAC tracks from M4A to MP4 for seamless transfer to PSP. Features:
Managing Director of Fire International, Jason Cooper said "Users of both Ipod and PSP will find this software an invaluable solution for the complete integration of their existing iTunes music, MP3 and CD collection, as it eliminates the need for users to re-rip their music collection for use on their PSP." Fire has not set a release date yet. Source: Fire Posted by jlewin at 10:06 AM | Comments (0) Creative Intros Speaker, Remote System for Zen MP3 PlayersCreative has introduced the I-Trigue L3800 2.1 speaker system. The I-Trigue L3800 is the first speaker system to include a wireless IR remote to control both the speaker system and a Creative Zen MP3 player.
"Just plug in your Zen MP3 player to the I-Trigue L3800 speaker system and you have a great-looking, awesome sounding wireless system that's versatile enough to go with your notebook or desktop PC," said Brad Anderson, director of product marketing for Creative. The I-Trigue L3800 is the first of Creative's I-Trigue speaker systems to come standard with a wireless IR remote to control both the speakers and an attached Creative Zen MP3 player, from up to 20 feet away. Users can connect a Zen Vision media player or a Zen Sleek, Zen Sleek Photo, Zen Micro or Zen MicroPhoto MP3 player to the included desktop wireless receiver and have total control over power, volume, play, pause, and track skip/reverse. The I-Trigue L3800 delivers 48 Watts RMS of power. The I-Trigue L3800 continues the use of NeoTitanium micro driver technology, to produce clear highs and rich audio details. The I-Trigue L3800 also features Creative Lateral Firing Transducers (LFT)- midrange, side-firing drivers that fill the gap between the audio highs and lows for a wider soundstage and fuller, more natural sound. In addition, each satellite features two amplifiers that separately drive both the LFT and the NeoTitanium micro drivers for maximum power and performance. The I-Trigue L3800 has an estimated street price of $149. Source: Creative. Posted by jlewin at 09:55 AM | Comments (1) October 21, 2005Stanford University Goes iTunesStanford University has introduced Stanford on iTunes, Stanford-related audio content provided via the iTunes Music Store.
Stanford on iTunes will give alumni and the general public free access to a wide range of Stanford-specific digital audio content. Users can download faculty lectures, interviews, music and sports. Stanford's project was developed with Apple and led by staff from the Stanford Alumni Association, the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Office of University Communications. Stanford on iTunes will provide downloads of faculty lectures, campus events, performances, book readings, music recorded by Stanford students and podcasts of Stanford football games. At launch, the service will contain close to 400 distinct audio programs, and the university will continue to add new content as it becomes available. "Stanford has been fortunate to partner with Apple in a project that allows us to share the intellectual and cultural life of the university with our alumni," said Howard Wolf, vice president for alumni affairs and president of the Stanford Alumni Association. "We are especially pleased that the project's focus is to deliver substantive content that so clearly supports the university's mission of teaching, learning and research both in the classroom and to our thousands of alumni around the world." The project also includes audio related to academic courses exclusively for Stanford faculty and students. Instructors in Stanford's Introduction to the Humanities program began using the tool last spring to distribute course audio such as lectures, music and readings to students. Since then, academic computing specialists have made a number of improvements to integrate Stanford's online course management system, CourseWork, with iTunes so that access to content can be restricted only to registered students in a course. If results are successful, the university will broaden support for use of the tool in courses starting in 2006. "I think it will be a truly valuable resource," said Victoria Szabo, academic technology specialist manager for the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and a key member of the project team. "It's really about being able to engage more in-depth with different media types than we can now." Source: Stanford University Posted by jlewin at 01:54 PM | Comments (0) Latest iPods - 50 Percent Profit
iSuppli's analysis suggests that the 30-gigabyte version of the new iPod, which sells at retail for $299, costs Apple $151 to manufacture. "This is in line with what we have seen with other iPod products from Apple," said iSuppli's Chris Crotty. Source: Business Week Posted by jlewin at 01:46 PM | Comments (0) Apple Faces Lawsuit over iPod nano ScratchesiPod nano owners angry about what they say is the iPod nano screen’s tendency to scratch easily have filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple Computer, saying they want their money back plus a share of the company’s profits on the music player’s sales. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of nano owner Jason Tomczak and others who have purchased the device. The lawsuit alleges Mr. Tomczak rubbed a paper towel on his nano’s face and "that alone left significant scratches." The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California in San Jose. The lawsuit charges that nano screens "scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos' unreadable, and violating state consumer protection statutes… and causing Plaintiff class members to incur loss of use and monetary damages." Source: Red Herring Posted by jlewin at 01:41 PM | Comments (3) Video iPods Going From Hot to Steamy
Pinup site Suicide Girls said Thursday that it had launched a new, free feature: downloadable videos of interviews and photo shots with its models, all configured for the video-capable iPod. At least one unambiguously adult site, Povpod.com, has also released content for the device. The new iPods support video content saved in H.264 or MPEG-4 formats. Many expect the new iPods to lead to an explosion of content. Podcast pioneer Adam Curry recently suggested that, unlike the world of audio podcasting, porn may provide the general public with its first taste of video podcasting. Suicide Girls Video Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 01:28 PM | Comments (0) Apple's Next Move: The Home Media Center?
Imagine: a tiny, silent Mac Mini with an inbuilt iPod dock connector, an inbuilt DVD recorder, and a video iPod which could automatically synchronise with the TV programs automatically recorded on your Mac Mini the night before. Apple’s about to do to the media center PC market what it did to the portable music player market. It doesn’t mean people will switch to Macs as their primary home PC, but Apple is going to sell a truckload of Mac Minis along the way anyway as under-the-TV media-centre boxes. The next phase of its long term strategy isn’t too hard to imagine, and it will be to do with replacing home PCs (with the assurance that you can always run Windows on an Intel-based Mac if you need to.) The article contrasts what Apple is doing with current Microsoft offerings: With Microsoft, we get chunky ’portable’ players that can’t fit in your pocket and cost around $1,000. Media Centre PCs are often ugly variants on desktop PCs, complete with noisy fans. Windows MCE doesn’t make it easy to burn TV to a DVD that can be played on a normal DVD player. The whole package is based on Windows XP, so you still have to deal with virus and spyware issues. And the downloadable content in the “spotlight” section of Media Centre is little more than an afterthought – mostly boring niche-interest video clips. Posted by jlewin at 01:19 PM | Comments (0) Sys-Con.TV Adds iPod SupportSYS-CON.TV, a technology media site, has announced full support for Apple's new Video iPod. A Download to iPod option has been added to the site's media player. The first SYS-CON.TV program that can now be downloaded free of charge and viewed on the iPod is Roger Strukhoff's India's i-Technology Triangle show.
Strukhoff recently visited India's i-technology cities and reported on the India's software business and its explosive growth in the recnt years. Strukhoff also interviewed the CEOs of number software companies in India. While the videos are formatted for iPod, no video podcast feed is available yet. Source: Sys-Con.TV Posted by jlewin at 01:03 PM | Comments (0) Griffin Intros iMic USB Mic Adapter
iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, as well as a variable level output for connecting speakers or headphones. According to Griffin, iMic's audio is superior to most computers' built-in audio because it uses USB for the audio signal. USB isolates the audio signal from the electronics in computers, giving higher quality sound when recording. Griffin's audio recording software Final Vinyl (provided for free to iMic owners) makes recording old records and tapes easy, with several advanced features such as waveform-based cue editing and built-in 10-band EQ. Final Vinyl can also equalize LPs without having to connect a turntable to a pre-amp. Just hook the turntable directly to the iMic (with the included 7" stereo mini jack to RCA adapter cable) and Final Vinyl will record your LPs perfectly. iMic requires no software driver installation. Source: Griffin Posted by jlewin at 08:40 AM | Comments (0) Tennessee Gets WichitaThe latest thing in Tennessee is - Wichita. Wichita Rutherford, host of the 5 Minutes With Wichita podcast, has been hired by the City of Knoxville, TN and Knox County to host their podcast, Rocky Top Podcast. "I'm going to be talkin' to both mayors, I'm going to be talkin' to football players, I'm going to be talkin' to coaches, I'm going to be talkin' to basketball players, I'm going to be talkin' to everybody that knows what's going on in Knoxville," explains Wichita.
Wichita was featured at an exclusive press event Oct 19th to introduce the new podcast. (We didn't get the invite but, you know, sometimes things get lost in the mail - ed). In case you missed the event, too, the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation has video highlights of the event. The Rocky Top Podcast will debut October 25th. Wichita humbly calls himself "The world - renowned podcast celebrity." His 5 Minutes With Wichita podcast features interviews with musicians and celebrities of the country music world. Posted by jlewin at 07:56 AM | Comments (1) Podcast Pickle Intros Service to Connect Podcasters With SponsorsPodcast Pickle, a podcast directory & community site, has added a new free feature that promises to help podcasters find sponsors. Podcasters can now advertise for sponsors on their "PicklePages" at the site. Podcasters can let sponsors know what they are offering in the way of sponsorship opportunities (Sponsorship Description), and what it will cost (Sponsorship Cost). All podcasts that have sponsorship info can be found via the Podcast Want Sponsors menu on the side bar of the home page. Posted by jlewin at 06:55 AM | Comments (0) Broadband by Balloon
"Proving the ability to operate a high data rate link from a moving stratospheric balloon is a critical step in moving towards the longer term aim of providing data rates of 120Mbps," said Dr David Grace, the project's principal scientific officer. Trials using a 12,000 cubic metre balloon, flying at an altitude of around 24 kilometres for nine hours, have proved it can deliver a data rate link of 11Mbps. During the tests, the researchers managed to send data via wi-fi at at distances ranging up to 60 kilometres. "The launch cost of the infrastructure is likely to be one-tenth that of satellite and one airship can support a user density one thousands times that of satellite," notes Alan Gobbi, the marketing manager of the York Electronic Centre. Source: BBC Posted by jlewin at 06:47 AM | Comments (0) Slam Idol Poetry Podcast Interviews Stephen Fry
Or, in Haiku: Brit comedian Slam Idol is a poetry slam in podcast form. Produced in London, the podcast has featured poets from Australia to Singapore. The show includes poetry performances and interviews with poets. Listeners can vote for the poetry slam winner. Fry is an English comedian, actor, author and director, best known for his portrayal of the roles of Jeeves in the TV series Jeeves and Wooster. He's also played Oscar Wilde in the film Wilde, and starred in the UK TV shows A Bit of Fry & Laurie and Blackadder. "I consider myself to be very lucky to get an interview with someone of Stephen Fry's stature," comments Slam Idol's Simon Toon. "My wife, who knows that I'm a big fan of Stephen's, pointed out to me that he was launching a poetry book and suggested I get a ticket for the promotional event he's doing in London on the 25th. I got myself a ticket, and then it occurred to me that with all the hype about podcasting that there is at the moment, and knowing that he is a big fan of Macs and iPods, that he might just be tickled by podcasting." "So I sent him an e-mail to tell him about my poetry podcast and ask him for an interview. I can only imagine that I was lucky enough to hit the right note at the right time, and he agreed almost immediately. I would never have imagined when I started my podcast that it would enable me to 'meet' my one of my heroes. The interview was conducted over iChat AV and recorded using SoundFlower and Audacity." In addition to showcasing poetry from around the world, the Slam Idol poetry slams offer poets an opportunity to promote their own work and website, and to be discovered by a wider audience. More information is available at the Slam Idol site. Posted by jlewin at 06:30 AM | Comments (0) October 20, 2005Ancestor Podcast on Track to Repeat EarthCore's SuccessAuthor and podcaster Scott Sigler's latest podcast audiobook serialization, Ancestor, looks like it's on track to repeat the success of his popular sci-fi thriller, EarthCore. Podcasting offers authors like Sigler new ways of promoting their work and interacting with listeners. The EarthCore podcast generated thousands of subscribers and landed Sigler a print deal. "I've got thousands of people listening to my story each week," Sigler said. "It's so much fun, and the story's popularity blows me away. My readers are completely hooked on it -- I get emails, blog posts and instant messages every day from fans telling me it's driving them crazy waiting for the story's monster to make its grand entrance." Ancestor is a free audiobook delivered in serialized, weekly format via podcast. Listeners have to tune in each week to hear the continuing story -- they can't buy the book in stores, and they can't peek at the end. Sigler reports that the sci-fi/thriller has 5,000 subscribers, and is adding about 800 subscribers with each new episode. Ancestor tells the tale of Genada, company that bio-engineers a "universal organ donor." Genada's artificial creation will possess human internal organs suitable for transplantation. If successful, the company will save millions of lives, as well as earn billions in revenue. Genada scientists develop the animal, but find it is not the small, harmless creature they expected. EarthCore's podcast success resulted in a print version, which will be released in November from Dragon Moon Press. Posted by jlewin at 08:24 AM | Comments (0) October 19, 2005MP3 Players Top Holiday Wish ListsPodcasters can expect the audience for podcasting to continue its rapid growth, because MP3 players top wish lists in the Consumer Electronics Association's 12th Annual Holiday Spending Survey. "Peace, happiness, health - and consumer electronics - are on the wish lists of Americans this holiday season, according to our forecast survey," said CEA Director of Industry Analysis Sean Wargo. "Despite concern about the overall economy, consumers intend to purchase, as well as hope to receive, a plethora of consumer electronics gifts this holiday season. More, our survey indicates that retailers and consumers alike will be humming a happy tune entering the New Year, as results show the MP3 player is going to be one of the hottest sellers." According to the 1,000 randomly selected U.S. adults CEA interviewed by phone, consumer interest in buying a portable MP3 player has increased eight percentage points from 2004, from 20 percent to 28 percent. Revenues from sales of MP3 players are up 105 percent so far this year. For the second year in a row, CEA also surveyed CEA|CNET Tech First Panel participants for the holiday study in order to determine the holiday gifting intentions of technology early adopters. The study was administered via the Internet to an online sample of CNET users who were screened as people who adopt consumer electronics products in the early to mid-product life cycle stages. The CEA|CNET Tech First Panel sheds light on the thoughts, behaviors and desires of the first consumers to buy technology products. Their interests and behaviors are often precursors to future mass market trends. The MP3 player topped their list for gift giving, as well. Fifty-seven percent said they are likely to purchase an MP3 player this season to give as a gift. Other top early adopter gift-giving items included a digital camera, internal PC upgrade, video game system and home networking devices. Following the MP3 player, the full wish list for the randomly selected survey respondents included, in order of preference: plasma television, digital camera, laptop PC, big screen TV, desktop PC, video game system, high-definition television, DVD recorder and home theater speakers or system. The gift-giving list included: portable MP3 player, digital camera, video game system, cordless phone, home DVD player, portable headset CD, game peripherals, DVD recorder, cell phone and laptop PC. When adult consumers were asked what they wanted most, CE products followed peace, happiness and good health; conversely, when youth consumers were asked what they wanted most, they listed CE products first with video games leading the inventory. Source: CEA Posted by jlewin at 01:08 PM | Comments (0) Video Podcasting to Drive 2.9 Billion Internet Video MarketIn-Stat, a technology research firm, is predicting that video content services will become a leading-edge portion of all premium subscription services offered via the Internet. By 2009, non-adult video content delivered as subscription or pay-per-download over the Internet will have a worldwide retail value of US$ 2.6 billion, the high-tech market research firm predicts. "The video desires of most consumers will continue to be served by free-to-air broadcast TV, and by pay TV services like Cable TV and Satellite," says Gerry Kaufhold, In-Stat analyst. "But a thriving premium video market will develop over the Internet. Really Simple Syndication (RSS), audio podcasting, and upcoming video podcasting initiatives will certainly drive demand for lots more video on the Internet. Apple's announcement that brings ABC's Desperate Housewives onto Apple's iTunes service marks a major turning point for video over the Internet." Research Highlights: Companies that provide video content will have multiple opportunities to earn revenues by:
Source: In-Stat Posted by jlewin at 01:02 PM | Comments (0) Teachers Experimenting with iPods, PodcastingThe Washington Post reports that teachers around the country are experimenting with using iPods and podcasting as teaching tools. "It just makes so much sense. They are so drawn to this technology. They are so excited by it. They're comfortable with it," said Jamestown Elementary School's Camilla Gagliolo, the school's technology coordinator. Using little more than an iPod and a school computer, Gagliolo and her students have been making podcasts that can be downloaded to an iPod or other portable MP3 player. "This idea is so great: I can hear what my daughter is doing and we can tell her grandparents, and they can hear it where they are," said Alison Pascale of Arlington, whose daughter Kalyn McNulty, 10, is one of the Jamestown podcasters. Posted by jlewin at 12:55 PM | Comments (0) Newest Macs Offer 2-Way, 4-way ProcessorsApple has unveiled its new Power Mac G5 desktop line featuring the Power Mac G5 Quad, providing quad-core processing with two 2.5 GHz dual-core PowerPC G5 processors. The latest models offer higher performance than ever before, but at starting prices ranging from $1,999 to $3,299.
All Power Mac G5 models now feature dual-core processors, a new PCI Express architecture and higher performance graphics options including NVIDIA's Quadro FX 4500. "The Power Mac G5 Quad delivers the workstation performance our creative and scientific customers demand," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With quad-core processing, a new PCI Express architecture, and the fastest workstation card from NVIDIA, the new Power Mac G5 Quad is the most powerful system we've ever made." With two 2.5 GHz dual-core processors, each with 1MB of L2 cache, the Power Mac G5 Quad delivers breakthrough performance on applications used extensively by creative professionals and scientists. For example: -- Final Cut Pro 5 encodes SD video content up to 60 percent faster on the new Power Mac G5 Quad when compared with the Dual Processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5; -- Adobe Photoshop runs a series of 45 commonly used filters and actions 43 percent faster on the new Power Mac G5 Quad when compared with the Dual Processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5; -- Adobe After Effects renders video effects up to 69 percent faster on the new Power Mac G5 Quad when compared with the Dual Processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5; -- LightWave 3D renders animation up to 59 percent faster on the Power Mac G5 Quad when compared with the Dual Processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5; and -- The scientific benchmark Bioinformatics Benchmark System (BBS version 3) completes a comparison of genomic sequences up to 39 percent faster on the Power Mac G5 Quad when compared with the Dual Processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5. The Power Mac G5 line offers leading-edge expansion with industry standard PCI Express architecture, providing four expansion slots to support high- performance video and audio devices and multiple standard graphics cards to drive an array of up to eight displays. The Power Mac G5 delivers up to 16GB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM and now features two Gigabit Ethernet ports -- ideal for customers working in an Xsan(R) environment. Every Power Mac G5 also includes one FireWire 800 port, two FireWire 400 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 1.1 ports, optical and digital audio input and output, and built-in support for AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. The new Power Mac G5 line also includes Apple's next generation mouse, Mighty Mouse, featuring up to four programmable buttons and an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction -- vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. The new Power Mac G5 comes standard with either the NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE with 128MB of video memory or the NVIDIA GeForce 6660 with 256MB of video memory, both provide support for dual-displays and Apple's breakthrough 30- inch Cinema HD Display, now priced at $2,499. The NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT with 256MB of video memory and the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 with 512MB of video memory are both available as build-to-order options. The Quadro FX 4500 is ideal for demanding animation, special effects and scientific visualization applications such as Alias' Maya and DeLano Research's PyMol. The Quadro FX 4500 can drive up to two 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Displays and includes a stereo 3D port to connect goggles for stereo-in-a-window applications. Pricing & Availability The 2.0 GHz and 2.3 GHz Power Mac G5 Dual are available now and the 2.5 GHz Power Mac G5 Quad will be available in early November through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The Power Mac G5 Dual, with a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes: -- dual-core 2.0GHz PowerPC G5 processor; -- 512MB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable up to 16GB; -- 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE with 128MB of GDDR SDRAM -- three open PCI Express expansion slots: two 4-lane slots and one 8- lane slot; -- dual Gigabit Ethernet ports; -- 16x SuperDrive(TM) with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD?RW/CD-RW); and -- ships with Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard. The Power Mac G5 Dual, with a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes: -- dual-core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 processor; -- 512MB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable up to 16GB; -- 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- NVIDIA GeForce 6600 with 256MB of GDDR SDRAM -- three open PCI Express expansion slots: two 4-lane slots and one 8- lane slot; -- dual Gigabit Ethernet ports; -- 16x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD?RW/CD-RW); and -- ships with Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard. The Power Mac G5 Quad, with a suggested retail price of $3,299 (US), includes: -- two dual-core 2.5GHz PowerPC G5 processors; -- 512MB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable up to 16GB; -- 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- NVIDIA GeForce 6600 with 256MB of GDDR SDRAM -- three open PCI Express expansion slots: two 4-lane slots and one 8- lane slot; -- dual Gigabit Ethernet ports; -- 16x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD?RW/CD-RW); and -- ships with Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard. Build-to-order options include up to 16GB of NECC or ECC DDR2 SDRAM, up to two 500 GB Serial ATA hard drives running at 7200 rpm, NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM, NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 graphics card with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM, AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth module, Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse, Xserve RAID and Apple Fibre Channel PCI Express Card. Posted by jlewin at 12:32 PM | Comments (0) Apple Updates PowerBook Line
"The Apple PowerBook continues to deliver the ultimate in portability, performance and innovative features," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Our mobile customers are going to love working on the new high-resolution PowerBook displays and appreciate the added productivity that one more hour of battery life delivers." The higher-resolution PowerBooks provide significantly more screen real estate and include the 17-inch PowerBook with a 1680-by-1050 pixel resolution -- 36 percent more than the previous generation -- and the 15-inch PowerBook with a 1440-by-960 pixel resolution -- 26 percent more than the previous generation. Designed for business and creative professionals, the new 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks make reading text and viewing images easier with brighter displays -- up to 46 percent brighter on the 17-inch model. The 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks also provide up to an additional hour of battery life. The PowerBook line includes three models: the 1.5 GHz 12-inch PowerBook with an 8X SuperDrive and the new 1.67 GHz 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks with an 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support. Both the 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks include ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 128MB DDR dedicated video memory and now feature built-in Dual Link support to drive Apple's groundbreaking 30-inch Cinema HD Display as an external monitor, providing more than four million pixels of additional workspace. Every PowerBook includes built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), integrated AirPort(R) Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking, a scrolling TrackPad and Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor technology. Pricing & Availability The 12-inch and new 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks are available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes: -- 512MB of PC2700 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable up to 1.25GB; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- an 80GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; -- DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support; -- two USB 2.0 ports and FireWire(R) 400; -- audio line in and headphone out; and -- a scrolling TrackPad. The 1.67 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes: -- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW); -- 512MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM running at 333 MHz, expandable up to 2GB; -- 80GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; -- DVI (Dual Link for 30-inch Cinema HD Display support), VGA, S-video and composite video support; -- Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T); -- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800; -- analog and optical digital audio input and output; -- illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; and -- a scrolling TrackPad. The 1.67 GHz, 17-inch PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes: -- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW); -- 512MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM running at 333 MHz, expandable up to 2GB; -- 120GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; -- DVI (Dual Link for 30-inch Cinema HD Display support), VGA, S-video and composite video support; -- Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T); -- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800; -- analog and optical digital audio input and output; -- illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; and -- a scrolling TrackPad. Additional build-to-order options for the 12-inch PowerBook include the ability to upgrade to 100GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, up to 1.25GB DDR SDRAM, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive, and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options for the new 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks include the ability to upgrade up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, a slot-load Combo (DVD- ROM/CD-RW) optical drive, and the AppleCare Protection Plan. The new 15-inch PowerBook also offers a 100GB or 120GB (5400 rpm) hard drive as a build-to- order option. *Battery life depends on configuration and use. Source: Apple Posted by jlewin at 12:25 PM | Comments (0) Apple Intros Aperture Digital Photography App
Aperture offers a RAW image workflow that makes working with a camera's RAW images as easy as JPEG. Aperture features powerful compare and select tools, nondestructive image processing, color managed printing and custom web and book publishing. "Until now, RAW files have taken so long to work with," said Heinz Kluetmeier, a sports photographer whose credits include over 100 Sports Illustrated covers. "What amazed me about Aperture is that you can work directly with RAW files, you can loupe and stack them and it's almost instantaneous -- I suspect that I'm going to stop shooting JPEGs. Aperture just blew me away." Aperture's nondestructive image processing engine never alters a single pixel of original photos so photographers have the power and flexibility to modify or delete changes at any point in the workflow. As Aperture allows users to create multiple versions of a single image without duplicating files, photographers can experiment without risk of overwriting the master image or using up large amounts of hard drive space. Aperture images can also be launched directly into Adobe Photoshop for compositing and layer effects. Aperture features a complete color-managed pipeline with support for device specific ColorSync profiles and a set of high-quality output tools for photographers to showcase their work. Print options include customizable contact sheets, high-quality local printing and color-managed online prints. Aperture provides a simple layout environment where photographers can quickly create and order custom professional-caliber books and publish web galleries. Aperture also makes it easy to back up an entire library of images with a single click and streamline complex workflows with AppleScript and Automator actions. Pricing & Availability Aperture will be available in November through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $499 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Aperture can be found at www.apple.com/aperture. Posted by jlewin at 12:14 PM | Comments (0) Jobs: There's No Market for Portable VideoApple head Steve Jobs has some interesting comments in a recent Time article regarding the future of portable digital video. "There is no market today for portable video," said Jobs. "We’re going to sell millions of these to people who want to play their music, and video is going to come along for the ride." Apple's latest iPods support video playback, and their iTunes software supports commercial video downloads and video podcasting. Jobs makes clear that they are not capitalizing on an existing market, they aren't pioneering it, but that they are putting themselves in a position to become the standard platform for online video. "Anyone who wants to put out video content will put it out for this," notes Jobs, "And we’ll find out what happens." Posted by jlewin at 07:17 AM | Comments (1) October 18, 2005UK Broadcasters Testing Internet TV Service
In addition to giving users more control, viewers will be invited to upload their own reports and budding film-makers will be able to showcase their films as part of a drive towards citizen-led TV. ITV sees the broadband service as a chance to reassert its commitment to local services. "ITV has been proud of its regional services for 50 years, but until now we haven't had the delivery systems to provide a truly local service," said Lindsay Charlton, managing director of ITV Meridian. "The rapid advance in the number of broadband homes in the UK, combined with improvements in streaming technology, has transformed the opportunities for local broadcasting," she said. Source: BBC Posted by jlewin at 11:06 PM | Comments (0) PodOMatic Adds Free Services For Podcasters
"We are working hard to promote the growth of podcasting with free tools for podcasters and their audiences," said podOMatic co-founder Justin Dossey. "Listener statistics provide podcasters with data on the popularity of their shows." In addition to listener stats, PodOmatic has introduced the first integrated telephone comment service for podcasters. Every podcaster on the podOmatic network can set up a free phone number which listeners can then call and leave audio comments on, to be integrated into future podcasts. PodOMatic provides a variety of services that let users create, mix, host, search and share their podcasts via the podOmatic network. PodOmatic provides free tools for users to create podcasts and offers free podcast placement in the iTunes podcast directory. In addition to the new podcasting services, PodOMatic will let you interview President Bush for your next podcast. Source: PodOMatic Posted by jlewin at 10:39 PM | Comments (0) Danish Soldiers Relax with MP3 Pillows
The MusiCure Pillow has built-in speakers attached to an mp3-player that plays instrumentals and sounds of nature, like trickling water and chirping birds. "We have sent 10 pillows each to Iraq and Kosovo and they are now being used by the troops," said Henrik Lundstein, of the Denmark Royal Defense College. MusiCure is a series of music designed to have a soothing and physically relaxing effect, and stimulate the mind in a positive way, creating experiences and images. The MusiCure Pillow is designed for use in hospitals and other therapeutic situations. Posted by jlewin at 12:33 PM | Comments (0) Shure Intros Sound Isolating Earphones in nano BlackShure has introduced a new line of its highly-acclaimed E Series Sound Isolating Earphones designed specifically to complement the iPod nano. Three models, including the E2c, E3c, and E4c, will be now be available in black. The E Series are a line of earphones originally designed for professional musicians. They feature:
Pricing and Availability Featuring Shure's Dynamic MicroDriver technology and priced at $99.00 USD, the E2c is offered as an upgrade to bundled earphones. The lightest, most compact model in its class, the E3c retails for $179.00 USD and features WideBand MicroDriver technology to deliver extended frequencies and precision highs. The E4c, $299.00 USD, incorporates Shure's Tuned Port Technology and High Definition drivers, delivering detailed audio and extended bass response. The black E Series Sound Isolating Earphones will begin shipping in November. Source: Shure Posted by jlewin at 12:23 PM | Comments (0) Creating a Video Podcast on Mac OS X
The tutorial explains how to use QuickTime 7 Pro to create an .m4v file containing H.264 video and AAC audio, compatible with iTunes and the latest iPods. With Apple supporting video with its current lineup of HD iPods and also within iTunes, it now offers a complete solution for video users to find and use video podcasts. Posted by jlewin at 12:16 PM | Comments (2) Real Estate Podcasts a la modea la mode, a developer of tools for real estate professionals, has introduced a new podcast service for real estate agents, letting them podcast information on homes for sale to customers with iPods, portable MP3 players, and personal computers. The service, Propertycast, is available to all of its Agent XSite website customers at no cost. "Podcasting has exploded because it delivers content automatically for ultimate consumer convenience," said Rusty Lindquist, a la mode's Vice President of Agent Products. "It's the perfect medium for pushing listing information." Lindquist suggests that interest in the technology makes podcasting a selling point for agents competing for listings. "It allows our customers to walk into a listing presentation confident they can market a property like no one else. That's something today's increasingly tech-savvy home owners look for, and can be the tipping point to winning the listing." Home shoppers can sign up at their agent's XSite to automatically receive new listing podcasts in the neighborhood they're looking whenever they plug their iPod or device into their computer. First-time visitors to an Agent XSite can listen to the podcasts right on their computer, too, and can receive e-mail notifications when new podcasts are available if they don't have a player or don't "synchronize" their device on a regular basis. "Podcasting is a remarkably cost effective marketing tool that enables me to better service both buyers and sellers," said Todd Ernst, a Keller Williams agent from Grand Rapids, Mich. ""Podcasting gives buyers more detailed listing information at their leisure and provides me with a huge advantage when it comes to listing presentations." Posted by jlewin at 12:07 PM | Comments (0) October 17, 2005Podcasting Network Gets SponsorsThe Podcasting Network (TPN) has entered into agreements with Motorola and Orb Networks in a pair of three-month promotional deals that demonstrate the growing business interest in podcasting. Motorola Mobile Devices has announced a three-month strategic marketing partnership with The Podcast Network, making it the Network's first site-wide anchor tenant. Orb has also entered into a three-month advertising deal with the site. Motorola intends to use the TPN sponsorship to promote the ROKR, as well as other upcoming handsets, and also to position the edgier side of the Motorola brand. Motorola will give podcast listeners the opportunity to interact with Motorola executives by allowing them to submit their own questions to be posed in upcoming podcasts. "Podcasting is clearly growing at a rapid rate and is quickly becoming a powerful marketing tool," notes Motorola's Neil Stewart. "It allows us to reach out and communicate to a very targeted and worldwide consumer base and create a high impact conversation with some of our brand’s most valuable audiences on a regular basis." "Podcasting provides an additional layer that naturally leverages other online marketing techniques," adds Stewart. "It should not be viewed as a replacement, but as a medium that can be integrated into the overall online marketing mix." The Podcasting Network positions the deal as a win for both the Network, and podcasting as a whole. According to TPN's Mick Stanic, "Partnering with Motorola helps educate the marketing world about the many advantages of getting involved with podcasting as a medium for not only advertising, but also to interact directly with a powerful and worldwide community." Orb plans to advertise on TPN's The Media Center Show. "They have an audience of early technology adopters who understand the value of having control of their digital content," said Ian McCarthy, vice president of product marketing at Orb. "This podcast is the perfect approach for us to reach ideal Orb users, and they are Media Center owners." Source: TPN Posted by jlewin at 09:23 PM | Comments (0) Griffin Intros AirClick
The AirClick Remote uses RF technology that allows users to control their iPod from up to 60 ft. away. Users do not have to be in the line of sight for it to work, and RF signals also pass through walls. Each AirClick package ships with a remote, a receiver that mounts to the bottom of the iPod, and a convenient remote cradle and straps for attaching it to an automobile steering wheel, bicycle, or anything that's handy. The remote control features five buttons: play/pause, next track, previous track, volume up, and volume down. It also has a hold switch, mimicking that of the iPod. A handy clip on the back provides instant access while jogging, cycling or giving a presentation. Each AirClick receiver has the ability to be paired to any remote unit. One remote can control both the AirClick iPod and the AirClick USB, or if two AirClick remotes are being used in close proximity, they could be paired to individual units, allowing maximum flexibility. Compatible with:
Pricing & Availability Source: Griffin Posted by jlewin at 07:55 PM | Comments (0) Griffin Intros iFM With Dock Connector for iPod
With the flip of a switch, users can now change between controlling their music library and listening to their favorite FM radio programming. An integrated white backlit LCD shows the operating mode of the iFM at a glance. Features: Radio
Remote
Compatible with:
Pricing & Availability Source: Griffin Posted by jlewin at 08:13 AM | Comments (0) October 16, 2005Adam Curry Predicts Podcast Porn ExplosionAdam Curry, former MTV vj and president of PodShow Inc., predicts that Apple's release of iPods with video support will lead to a video podcast porn explosion. "Porn is just going to be huge," Curry commented in a recent Daily Source Code podcast. Apple's latest iPods include support for video playback, including video podcasts that can be made and distributed by anyone with an Internet connection. "The porn guys are just going holy moly in gratitude for the new market that's opened up to them," adds Curry. In addition to adult podcasts and video podcasts gaining in popularity, Curry predicts that all types of media will soon be delivered via RSS feeds. Posted by jlewin at 08:17 PM | Comments (1) October 13, 2005The Future of MP3 Players III: Pez?
The $99 player is a 512 mb portable digital audio player built in a Pez dispenser. The first edition of the player is the PEZ Pal Boy character. Features:
Source: PezMP3 Posted by jlewin at 09:52 AM | Comments (0) The Future of MP3 Players II: Musical BreastsWe kid you not on this one. BT futurology, a company that calls itself a "top think tank", predicts that MP3 players could soon be built into women's breast implants. BT Laboratories' analyst Ian Pearson said flexible plastic electronics would sit inside the breast. A signal would be relayed to headphones, while the device would be controlled by Bluetooth using a panel on the wrist. We haven't been able to find out how BT expects to charge the player, but we suspect that solar or motion-based charging may be under consideration. According to Pearson, the MP3 breast actually might have legitimate uses. Sensors on the body, linked through electrical impulses to the player, may be able to warn wearers about heart murmurs, blood pressure increases, diabetes and breast cancer. via ananova Posted by jlewin at 09:30 AM | Comments (1) The Future of MP3 PlayersIDC, a technology research firm, is predicting that the the portable compressed audio (MP3) player market will grow from 26.4 million units shipped worldwide in 2004 to nearly 124 million units in 2009. They also expect flash-based player capacities to grow to 16 GB by 2007. "Demand for portable MP3 players is booming, as more and more consumers get acquainted with their stylish form factors and digital audio functionality," said Susan Kevorkian, program manager, Consumer Markets: Audio at IDC. "In addition, DVD players, mobile phones and gaming devices that play back compressed audio will be key drivers of the compressed audio player market during the forecast period." Growth in the portable flash player category is expected to be fueled by falling flash memory costs, vendor adoption of flash for multiple device storage capacities at competitive retail price points, availability of paid online media services, and growing consumer awareness of and demand for portable MP3 players. However, music-enabled mobile phones are expected to inhibit the portable MP3 player market somewhat during the forecast period and the extent of this trend will vary by world region. Other predictions:
Source: IDC Posted by jlewin at 09:19 AM | Comments (0) October 12, 2005New iMac G5 Features Built-In Video CameraApple has unveiled the new iMac G5 which features a built-in iSight video camera for out-of-the-box video conferencing and the debut of Apple’s breakthrough Front Row media experience. Front Row gives users a simple and powerful way to play their music, enjoy their photo slideshows, and watch their DVDs and iMovies, as well as popular movie trailers from apple.com and music videos and television shows purchased from the iTunes Music Store, on their iMac from up to 30 feet away using the new bundled Apple Remote. The new iMac G5 comes in a sleek, new design that is even thinner than its predecessor, and starts at just $1,299.
“The new iMac G5 debuts our amazing Front Row media experience, and we think users are going to love it,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Plus, the built-in iSight video camera delivers out-of-the-box video conferencing with friends and family, as well as hours of fun with our new Photo Booth application.” Apple’s breakthrough Front Row media experience uses the bundled Apple Remote to let users enjoy the content they have on their iMac—including songs from their iTunes music library, slideshows of their photo albums in iPhoto, videos including Podcasts, iMovies and DVDs, and popular movie trailers streamed from apple.com—all from up to 30 feet away. And with iTunes 6, users can now purchase and download music videos, Pixar short films and hit TV shows such as “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost” from the iTunes Music Store and watch them on their iMac using Front Row. Front Row is easily controlled using the Apple Remote, which has only six buttons, compared to remote controls for Microsoft’s Media Center which typically have over 40 buttons. With its built-in iSight video camera, the new iMac G5 provides video conferencing right out of the box using Apple’s award-winning iChat AV software. The new iMac G5 also includes Photo Booth, Apple’s fun-to-use new application that lets users take quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera, add entertaining visual effects with the touch of a button, and share them via Mail, save them in iPhoto, or use them as icons in iChat or Address Book. The design of the new iMac G5 is now up to 1/2-inch thinner and 15 percent lighter than the previous generation. Delivering even greater value, the new iMac G5 line includes a 17-inch model with a 1.9GHz PowerPC G5 processor for just $1,299 and a 20-inch model with a 2.1 GHz PowerPC G5 processor for just $1,699. Both models now come standard with a SuperDrive™ with double-layer support for burning professional-quality DVDs, 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2.5GB, hard drive storage capacity up to 500GB, and ATI Radeon X600 PCI Express-based graphics with 128MB of dedicated video memory for outstanding graphics performance and realistic game play. System memory is easily upgraded via a convenient access door along the bottom edge. Offering the latest high-performance I/O, the new iMac G5s include built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme for fast 54 Mbps wireless networking, built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a total of five USB ports (three USB 2.0) and two FireWire 400 ports. The new iMac G5 includes Apple’s Mighty Mouse, featuring up to four programmable buttons and an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction—vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. Every new iMac G5 also includes iLife ‘05, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications; Mac OS X version 10.4 “Tiger,” the world’s most advanced operating system; and a collection of productivity and entertainment titles including AppleWorks, Quicken 2006 for Mac, 2006 World Book, Photo Booth, Nanosaur 2 and Marble Blast Gold. Posted by jlewin at 03:00 PM | Comments (0) New iPods Add Video SupportApple has introduced its latest iPod, featuring a 2.5-inch color screen which can display album artwork and photos, and play video including music videos, video Podcasts, home movies and television shows. The new iPod holds up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or over 150 hours of video and is available in a 30GB model for $299 and a 60GB model for $399, with both models available in stunning white or black designs.
“The new iPod is the best music player ever—it's 30 percent thinner and has 50 percent more storage than its predecessor—yet it sells for the same price and plays stunning video on its 2.5-inch color screen,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Because millions of people around the world will buy this new iPod to play music, it will quickly become the most popular portable video player in history.” The new iPod plays music, audiobooks, audio Podcasts, video Podcasts, home movies, music videos and popular television shows like “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives.” The combination of iPod and iTunes 6 now provides customers with a seamless experience for buying, managing and playing video as well as audio content, including over 2,000 music videos, six short films from the Academy-Award winning Pixar Animation Studios, and five television shows from ABC and Disney Channel, including the immensely popular “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives.” The new iPod features Apple’s innovative Click Wheel for precise, one-handed navigation and the portable design is ideal for putting music, Podcasts, photos, audiobooks, home movies, music videos and popular television shows in a pocket for on-the-go viewing. iPod users can also watch their video content and slideshows of their photos on a television via optional Apple accessories. Featuring seamless integration with the iTunes Music Store and the iTunes digital music jukebox, iPod features Apple’s patent pending Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads digital music, Podcasts, photos, audiobooks, home movies, music videos and popular television shows onto the iPod and keeps them up-to-date whenever the iPod is plugged into a Mac or Windows computer using USB 2.0. The 30GB model features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and the 60GB model features up to 20 hours of battery life for music playback. Posted by jlewin at 02:53 PM | Comments (0) iTunes 6 Adds Videos, TV Shows and Short Films
iTunes 6 lets users purchase and download over 2,000 music videos and six short films from Academy-Award winning Pixar Animation Studios for just $1.99 each. Also, in a deal with Disney, iTunes is now offering current and past episodes from two of the most popular shows on television, “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” as well as the new drama series “Night Stalker” and the two most popular shows from Disney Channel, “That’s So Raven” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” for just $1.99 per episode. Customers can now purchase and download their favorite television shows from iTunes the day after they air on TV, watch them on their Mac or PC, and Auto-Sync them onto the new iPod for viewing anywhere. “We’re doing for video what we’ve done for music—we’re making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Right out of the gate we’re offering 2,000 music videos, Pixar’s short films and hit primetime TV shows like ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Lost’.” “For the first time ever, hit primetime shows can be purchased online the day after they air on TV,” said Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company. “We’re delighted to be working with Apple to offer fans a new and innovative way to experience our wildly popular shows like ‘Desperate Housewives’ ‘Lost’ and ‘That’s So Raven’.” “Apple is giving music fans a great way to own their favorite music videos,” said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. “The people at Apple fully understand the interaction between musicians and their audience.” Featured exclusive music videos are available from artists such as Beastie Boys and U2 along with more than two dozen classic music videos from Madonna. Music videos are available from hundreds of artists, including classic hits by Michael Jackson and Sting and current hits from Coldplay and Kanye West. The first ever video iTunes Originals is being released with an exclusive performance and interview from Death Cab for Cutie as well as an exclusive video album from Brazilian Girls. Music fans can also purchase the Complete Stevie Wonder digital box set, which contains over 500 songs, a full color digital booklet and three bonus videos, available only on the iTunes Music Store. Movie shorts available from Pixar include “Boundin’,” “For the Birds,” “Geri's Game,” “Luxo Jr.,” “Red's Dream,” and “Tin Toy.” New features in iTunes 6 include expanded online gift options which now allow customers to give specific songs, albums, music videos or their own iTunes playlists to anyone with an email address, a public beta of new “Just for You” personalized music recommendations and the debut of online customer reviews. Now more than 10 million iTunes music fans can read other customers’ reviews, post their own and rate their usefulness. Source: Apple Posted by jlewin at 02:45 PM | Comments (0) October 11, 2005Apple nano Gets WoodMiniot has introduced the iWood, a wood carrying case for the iPod nano.
The wood case completely encloses the nano, with only access for the headphone plug. The hinged case opens to allow access to controls and sync connector. Miniot plans to offer the cases in maple, mahogany, pear, wenge and walnut. The company plans to ship Oct 20, 2005. Source: Miniot Posted by jlewin at 09:36 PM | Comments (1) Podify Your Car
iPod Your Car highlights cars with built-in iPod support from BMW, Mini (oh yeah!), Scion, Volvo and other manufacturers. In addition, the new section includes after-market automobile iPod support offerings. Several car stereo accessory manufacturers now offer iPod integration products that can be used with most cars. Posted by jlewin at 09:25 PM | Comments (0) Apple Rolling in Dough
Apple shipped 1,236,000 Macintosh units and 6,451,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 48 percent growth in Macs and 220 percent growth in iPods over the year-ago quarter. Despite the strong financial results, Apple's stock dropped, because many analysts had expected even stronger sales. For fiscal 2005, the Company generated revenue of $13.93 billion and a net profit of $1.335 billion, reflecting annual growth of 68 percent and 384 percent, respectively, and representing the highest annual revenue and net profit in the Company’s history. “We’re thrilled to have concluded the best year in Apple’s history, with 68 percent year-over-year revenue growth and 384 percent net profit growth,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “This is the direct result of our focus on innovation and the immense talent and creativity at Apple. We could not be more excited about the new products we’re working on for 2006.” “We’re very pleased to report 48 percent year-over-year growth in Mac shipments in Q4, as well as our 10th consecutive quarter of record iPod sales,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the first quarter of fiscal 2006 which will span 14 weeks, we expect revenue of about $4.7 billion. We expect GAAP earnings per diluted share of about $.46, including an estimated $.03 per share expense impact from non-cash share-based compensation, translating to non-GAAP EPS of about $.49.” Posted by jlewin at 09:12 PM | Comments (0) Tascam Intros Portable Audio RecorderTascam has introduced a new portable recorder aimed at the pro recording market. The TASCAM HD-P2 Portable High-Definition Stereo Audio Recorder records at up to 192kHz/24-bit resolution to Compact Flash media. The Broadcast WAVE audio files are instantly available through the built-in high-speed FireWire computer connection.
"The HD-P2 includes the features that professionals rely upon, such as timecode sync, built-in analog limiting and dependable performance," says Rick McClendon, Division Manager for TASCAM. "We prepared the HD-P2 for grueling professional use while keeping it affordable and simple enough for anyone to use." The HD-P2 incorporates high-end features like a SMPTE timecode input for synchronization to external devices while in record or playback. When recording, the HD-P2 writes time-stamped Broadcast WAVE audio files that can be loaded into your DAW projects with sample accuracy. Its XLR microphone inputs include phantom power and a limiter to curb distortion during unpredictable live events. The user interface has been designed for fast and intuitive use under stressful one-take-only situations, and its large, angled LCD is perfect for any application from over-the-shoulder location recording to concert recording and commercial use. Recording features:
I/O features:
Synchronization features:
Convenience Features:
More information is available at the Tascam site. Posted by jlewin at 08:05 AM | Comments (0) October 10, 2005iPod Costumes: Trick or Treat?iAttire, a company that specializes in hand-crafted costumes for iPods and hand-crafted iPod accessories, has introduced a line of Halloween iPod costumes.
The Vampire for iPod features a cape with a shiny pointy collar, vampire face and coffin, and retails for $39.99. Other costures include traditional favorites such as Witch, Mummy, Ghost and Pirate. No Hot Nurse or Naughty Devil numbers, though. Source: iAttire Posted by jlewin at 08:36 AM | Comments (0) New Device Charges Portable Electronics WirelesslySplashpower has announced 2 new products lines, the Multi SplashPad and the Single SplashPad, demonstrating a technology platform for delivering wireless charging for mobile devices.
"Consumers do not want to use power hungry features on mobiles because they shorten battery life," notes Lily Cheng, Co-Founder and CEO. "This is a major constraint. The industry is putting a lot of resource into improving battery chemistries and improving power consumption but charging is often neglected. Charging is an essential and inevitable part of the power equation. It is an essential part of the user experience and needs to be considered as a part of the solution.” Multi SplashPad: This flagship product lets users power multiple devices simultaneously simply by placing them on the pad surface. Mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players and digital cameras can all be powered without the need to plug in to a charger, and in no extra time. Single SplashPad: This entry-level product will power one device at a time and is universal so will work with a range of different devices. It is slim, light and portable, and serves as a perfect entry point for OEMs who want to provide a complete solution right out of the box to consumers. Receiver modules: Splashpower has developed receiver modules so that manufacturers can integrate wireless power capability directly into their mobile products. Mobile Accessories: These add-on accessories enable existing mobile devices to be powered by a SplashPad. Source: Splashpower Posted by jlewin at 08:29 AM | Comments (2) iPods Driving Crime in the UKUK police blame a sharp rise in the number of street robberies on the increasing popularity of iPods, MP3 players and the new generation of internet-connected mobile phones. Chief Superintendent Paul Forrester of Merseyside police said that many of the victims were students and teenagers. "Some children carry phones and iPods [worth] over £600 and they are making themselves walking targets," he said. Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan police commissioner, warned earlier this year that the iPods’ distinctive white headphone leads allowed owners to be easily targeted by criminals. "In street robbery, our concern has been around the smaller portable pieces of kit — the new generation of mobile phones and iPods," notes Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan police commissioner. "It is very obvious when someone is wearing an iPod. That is what is fuelling this." Source: Times Online Posted by jlewin at 08:25 AM | Comments (0) Japanese Music Industry Calls for "iPod Tax"
The industry has asked the Japanese government to charge a royalty, to be added to the retail price of portable digital music players. Money earned from the 2 to 5 percent fee, would go to recording companies, songwriters and artists as compensation for lost revenue from home copying. The Japanese recording industry says that the sudden rise of the portable digital players is robbing it of revenue that used to come from the fees on digital recorders. "Now everyone who used to be using CDs and MDs is using iPods," said Koichi Numamura, head of the recording rights department at the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers. "We can't just sit by silently while we lose money." Source: International Herald Tribune Posted by jlewin at 08:15 AM | Comments (0) October 09, 2005Yahoo Intros Podcast Service
"We intend to be the most comprehensive source for podcast content," said Geoff Ralston, Yahoo's chief product officer.
Yahoo is the first Internet heavyweight to tackle podcasting. "We feel like we are really getting ahead of the curve with this," Ralston said. While initial plans focus on podcast discovery and consumption, the company calls this "Step One". Posted by jlewin at 10:24 PM | Comments (0) October 08, 2005New Site Looking for Chicago SportscastersThe Chicago Sportscast Network (CSN) is looking for podcasters. The network, a hub for on-demand sports talk for major Chicago teams, will be accepting auditions during the month of October for their podcasts for the Bears, Bulls, White Sox, and Blackhawks. Fans can audition online or by telephone, with the possibility to ultimately share their wisdom (or dementia) 2 or more times per week. Groups of 2 or more fans are encouraged to apply, and no past experience broadcasting is necessary. What's in it for the podcasters? CSN describes this as an opportunity to get recognized in the broadcasting field for your unique style and fresh perspective, have a blast interviewing celebrity fans, players, front office staff, and franchise fixtures. Podcasters will have total content control of their podcast. Any profit from advertising in your podcast is shared equally. Each podcast will have its own website to interact with other fans, hold weekly contests or giveaways and take opinion polls on your team's players or performance. Auditions will be accepted through Friday, October 28. Information on auditions is available online. You can also call the audition hotline at 773-828-4396. Source: CSN Posted by jlewin at 09:59 AM | Comments (0) New OS X Podcasting AppKudlian Soft has introduced a new podcasting application, Podcaster. Podcaster is an all-in-one application that lets Mac users produce an internet broadcast that can be listened to on any iPod, MP3 Player, computer or compatible mobile phone. Users can create a podcast in a few simple steps. Simply drag and drop audio files and pictures and then upload them to a local disk, an iDisk .Mac account or another ftp server. Audio files can then be downloaded to an MP3 player or computers to provide a range of audio texts, commentaries, recorded lectures, audio-books and interviews with experts or public service broadcasts. Podcaster also provides users with the chance to learn how to enhance broadcasts with pictures. With Podcaster, users can add images to produce an Enhanced Podcast for iTunes. Podcaster automatically extracts audio files in the correct format from an iMovie project, using images and importing chapter markers from the extracted movie. The application also supports iTunes Music Store information such as images, copyright notices, categories and links to websites, all which can be incorporated into your final creation. Gary Atkinson, Technical Director and Developer, commented: "Podcaster is ideal for anyone wishing to create and manage podcasts to release on the internet. Easy to use, it cuts out all of the technical steps you would normally have to take to complete a broadcast for publishing." Source: Kudlian Soft Posted by jlewin at 09:44 AM | Comments (0) Supanova Pop Expo to Feature Podcasts
"This partnership proves that audio-on-demand is a viable alternative to traditional media and distribution methods," said Joffre St. Productions Director, Bruce Moyle. "It also provides subcultures and niche interests a way to represent themselves on a global platform. Pop-culture is cool, podcasting is cool, and the combination of the two is not only compelling but a lot of fun!" Some of the featured guests at Supanova include John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica), and Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon). Additional information is available at the Supanova site. Posted by jlewin at 09:20 AM | Comments (0) ePodcast Adds iTunes SupportIndustrial Audio Software has added iTunes tags support to the latest versions of its ePodcast Series podcasting software. ePodcast Producer features built-in sound effects, a comprehensive tutorial accessible from within the program, and an onscreen teleprompter. Users of both ePodcast Producer and ePodcast Creator can now easily add iTunes-specific tags to their podcast. More information is available at the Industrial Audio Software site. Posted by jlewin at 09:02 AM | Comments (0) October 07, 2005Blue Ships White Snowball USB Mic
The mic's dual-capsule design and three-position switch dial make it flexible enough to use for many applications. The Snowball retails for $155 MSRP and is available in consumer electronics stores with accessory pack (desktop stand and cable) for $159. Features:
Optional Accessories
Source: Blue Microphones Posted by jlewin at 08:43 AM | Comments (0) New Podcast Site Targets PSPsOrange Lounge Radio has announced the opening of a new site designed for viewing on PlayStation Portables (PSPs), olrpsp.com. The site features information and podcasts, formatted specifically for the PSP. "We are excited to be making our show so easily accessible on the PSP" said Rob "Roberts" Vanatta, 27 and co-producer of Orange Lounge Radio. "Now, PSP users will be able to easily download and save our program from any wireless hotspot that they can access."
The site, announced on the October 3rd edition of Orange Lounge Radio: To Go, is optimized for viewing on Sony's Playstation Portable (PSP) devices enabled with the 2.0 or above "firmware". This site offers video game news, links, and downloadable content specifically for the PSP. Included in the downloadable content are the latest episodes of the Orange Lounge Radio: To Go podcast, making Orange Lounge Radio one of the first podcasts on the internet to expand their podcast to the PSP. Matt "Loki" Whiteman, 25, technical guru of Orange Lounge Radio, beta tested olrpsp.com by making changes to the website on his desktop computer, while re-loading the website on his nearby PSP to ensure that the site looked right for the PSP screens. "Designing a website for the PSP is much different than putting together a normal website," said Whiteman. "PSP users don't want to just see text on their high-definition screen. They want to see more graphics and animations." Despite the new website being focused on the PSP, Orange Lounge Radio is still covering news and developments for video games on all platforms. "Orange Lounge Radio remains committed to all of the video game news that our fans want to hear about," said Jamie "Summers" DeVriend, 29, co-producer of Orange Lounge Radio. "Our new PSP website is simply another way for more people to download and listen to our show while checking out other bonus content." Orange Lounge Radio: To Go Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 08:23 AM | Comments (0) PodOmatic Adds iTunes Support
"PodOmatic makes podcasting accessible and free for everyone,” said Brian Woods, co-founder of podOmatic.com. “Now we’re making it even easier for people to share their podcasts with a larger audience through iTunes. PodOmatic lets our podcasters line up their content alongside that of the global media outlets.” The site offers service for creating and publishing podcasts; PodMail, for recording and mixing MP3 audio and mailing it to a PC or iPod; PodAmigo, a podcast client; and AutoCatcher, a tool for searching for and downloading podcasts based on keyword searches. Posted by jlewin at 08:14 AM | Comments (0) October 06, 2005Listen to Podcasts 300 Feet UnderwaterH2O Audio has released a new deep dive mp3 player waterproof housing and headset unit, the DV-i700. Coupled with the popular iRiver iFP-700 series mp3 player, the DV-i700 enables technical and recreational scuba divers as well as snorkelers and free divers to explore up to 300 feet below the surface while listening to their favorite play list of songs. "Deep dives are truly an exhilarating experience that have intrigued, Designed for extreme depths and the rigors of open-ocean and deep water wear and tear, H2O Audio's new DV-i700 features:
"Our DV line of cases and headsets have been enabling underwater sports enthusiasts to take music with them when snorkeling, free diving or on scuba adventures for over a year now," said Kristian Rauhala, president and CEO of H2O Audio. "With our new DV-i700 however, we have broken a huge barrier in providing waterproof protection for mp3 players up to 300 feet below the surface. This is very exciting and we believe divers from snuba and snorkel to advanced and technical levels will be thrilled with the flexibility and quality of this product." The iRiver iFP-700 line of mp3 players provide users with a wide range of options with up to 1GB internal storage, as much as 40 hours of battery life (Single AA battery), a lighted 4-line text screen, download access via USB 2.0 and support for MP3, OGG, ASF, WMA and WMA-DRM music files. Pricing and Availability MSRP for the H20 Audio DV-i700 housing and headphones is USD $199.95 MSRP. The DV-i700 is available now at selected retailers as well as from the H2O Audio eStore. Source: H2O Audio Posted by jlewin at 02:02 PM | Comments (0) Apple Kickstarts Hype Machine
The enigmatic invite has led to rampant speculation about what possible announcement Apple has planned. Will they be announcing a video iPod? An iTunes phone? Updates to their aging Macintosh lineup? Or perhaps a version of iTunes that puts free podcasts someplace outside the iTunes Music Store? Many are speculating that Apple is planning to release a video iPod. AppleInsider describes a reported video iPod sighting: "Although details are scarce, sources who claim to have seen the new iPod describe it as being similar to Apple's 60GB iPod photo player, but several millimeters thinner. The device reportedly sports a smaller click-wheel akin to that of the iPod nanos, making way for a larger, higher-resolution colour display that extends further down the face of the device". Other sites insist that the event will be used to announce updates to Apple's aging lineup of Macintosh computers. Think Secret reports that the event will not usher in the much rumored video iPod, but new PowerBook and Power Mac systems. Motorola's CEO has even suggested that Apple will soon be releaseing its own iTunes phone. Posted by jlewin at 01:46 PM | Comments (0) iPod nano Vs. Washing MachineJon Gales reports on an encounter his iPod nano had with his washing machine. "The nano is light enough that it turns out you can't really tell when it's in a shirt pocket and when it's not," writes Gales. "On this Saturday morning it was, and unfortunately the shirt was in the washer." "I got ahold of it after about a minute in the dryer, so the little white contraption had already experienced a warm wash, cool rinse and exciting spin cycle. It was non-responsive and if I was an ER doctor the nano would have been pronounced dead."
Fortunately for Gales, his nano refused to die. Gales story and photos are available at MacMerc. Posted by jlewin at 01:25 PM | Comments (1) October 05, 2005SFBags Intros nano CaseWaterfield (SFBags.com) has introduced an iPod nano case that incorporates three layers of protection. The exterior is sturdy Indium nylon which comes in five colors, the plastic middle layer provides protection against impact; and the interior layer of cushiony neoprene has a silky liner, making it smooth and easy to slide the iPod nano in and out of the case.
An elastic band, sewn in the back, is for storing the ear buds. The lightweight iPod nano Case is $22.00, and measures a slight 4" x 2" x .25". The case is available in Blue, Celeste, Checkers, Lead, Taxi. They have also re-designed their existing small iPod Gear Pouch, and added a padded compartment which can hold the iPod nano. Small enough to hold on the palm of your hand, the Gear Pouch can fit an iPod nano, its WaterField case, ear buds, USB power adapter and either an arm band or a power supply. The small iPod Gear Pouch can also still be used with iPod, iPod photo and iPod mini.
The redesigned small iPod Gear Pouch is $29.00, and measures 7.7" x 3.25" x 1.3", and weighs two ounces. The case is available in Blue, Celeste, Checkers, Lead, Taxi. Posted by jlewin at 08:35 AM | Comments (0) October 04, 2005iKitty Offers Cute Way to Play Hide the iPodSpeck has introduced the iKitty, a toy, case and stand for iPods. The iKitty offers rubberized protection, docking capability, and screen protection for your iPod or iPod Photo.
Usage Speck recommends that you insert your iPod through the iKitty's docking flap, pull the bottom part around and then bend tail into the desired position. Meow! Features:
The iKitty retails for $34.95. Source: Speck Products Posted by jlewin at 04:44 PM | Comments (0) BoxWave Intros Colorful nano Covers
The FlexiSkin is a soft case, available in six colors: Cosmo Pink, Frosted Clear, Mint Green, Sherbet Orange, Smoke Grey, and Super Blue. Also included is an adjustable, elastic armband with Velcro strip. BoxWave notes that the FlexiSkin is enhanced with new SmoothTexture, for her pleasure (ed). According to BoxWave, SmoothTexture makes the FlexiSkin feel softer to the touch and reduces surface dust. FlexiSkins are available for $29.95 via the BoxWave site. Posted by jlewin at 04:27 PM | Comments (0) Podcasting Gets NORMLNORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, has introduced a podcast. Host Chris Goldstein discusses news and issues relating to marijuana law. A recent episode discusses the use of cannibis extract in treating MS symptoms. The shows are available for download from the NORML site, or as a podcast. Posted by jlewin at 04:14 PM | Comments (0) Classcaster Provides Law Schools Blogging/Podcasting ServiceThe Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), a non-profit consortium of law schools, has introduced Classcaster, a course blogging and podcasting service. Classcaster is a blogging system with built-in podcasting support. The Classcaster system is designed to provide course-related blogs with integrated podcasting to law faculty at CALI member schools. Bloggers on the Classcaster system can create podcasts using any telephone. Faculty just dial in to Classcaster, enter a phone number and pin and record a call of any length. Classcaster Use Cases CALI has provided several use cases to demonstrate the range of potential uses for the service: Classroom Lectures - Instructors can record their lectures for their students to listen to again and again. For commuting students, re-listening to a lecture on the bus or in the car home could be quite a boon. For students who miss a class, the recorded lecture could be a life-saver. There is obvious danger here that students will forgo the live lecture entirely and just catch the recording, but the Classcaster system allows for recorded posts to released only at certain times and the posts can be expired to remove them from public view. This gives the instructor some control over how recorded lectures are posted to the blog. Sick day lectures - Instead of cancelling a class, the instructor could record a lecture from home or their office via telephone into Classcaster and the school could arrange to play the recorded lecture to the class at the appointed time or inform the students of the availability of the lecture. This might bring new meaning to the term “phone it in” as it applies to education. Guest interviews - Instructors could arrange for outside guest appearances by scholars, prominent industry players or other relevant individuals. With a three-way conference call - the last call being to Classcaster - the instructor could “interview” the guest in much the same way it would be done on a radio talk show. The instructor could play the guest’s talk to the class and pause Student audio presentations - many courses have student presentations as part of the course. Larger classes make this impractical for the entire class to listen to everyone’s presentation. Using Classcaster, the students could post audio recordings of their presentations and the instructor could assign portions of the class to listen and review the presentations in addition to listening to all of the presentations themselves. In an especially large class, the students could each be assigned to listen and critique one presentation in a round-robin fashion. This is a variation on the Rotisserie software created by the Harvard Berkman Center. Repurposed content for distance learning - a motivated instructor could record an entire semester’s worth of lectures and then re-purpose the recordings for distance learning courses or for resale. Transcribed for the deaf - recorded lectures could be transcribed into text form for deaf students. Indian companies that perform transcription entirely via the web cost between $1.10 and $1.80 per minute depending on how quickly you need it done.14 This is not real-time and so does not solve most ADA needs, but transcriptions have other value like being able to search the text for mentions of “exam” or “grade” (which would be very interesting to students). Read (synthesized speech) for the Blind - Classcaster could be the foundation for the reading of print-based courses materials. Readings can be phoned in for later listening by blind students. Mystery Science Theater Education - Music, parts of movies, plays, television, interviews could be recorded and the instructor could provide commentary much like the director commentary commonly available on DVDs today. Students notes and hyperlinks to audio bookmarks - One of the applications that CALI is working on is an audio book marking web service. The students would be taking notes on their notebooks in class while the instructor is lecturing and recording the lecture on Classcaster. The students could invoke a macro or click a button and a local program would ping Classcaster which would return a link and a timestamp which would be inserted as a hyperlink into the student’s notes. Days or weeks later, the student could be reading their notes and wonder what the instructor was saying at the time they took certain notes. If the student clicked on the Post lecture transcription and translation for foreign students - If the instructor has foreign students or students who do not fluently speak the language of the instructor, it could be arranged for someone else to listen and translate the lecture into an MP3 file in the language that the students understands. The translator could download the original lecture and play it (e.g. on their IPod) and make a phone call back into Classcaster to provide the translation. Recorded exam review lectures – Many law professors hold a special review lecture near the end of the semester with the general theme of 'This is what will be on the fianl exam'. This review could be made more effective by recording the lecture part for students to listen to before coming to the review. The review time would then be spent addressing specific student questions about Source: Classcaster Posted by jlewin at 04:18 AM | Comments (0) Digital Music Sales, Declining CD Prices Cause Drop in Global Music SalesA booming online music market and dropping CD prices and sales are eating into the global music market. According to the IFPI, a worldwide recording industry organization, digital music sales have tripled in the last year to 6% of music industry retail revenues. CD sales dropped 3.4%, but overall revenue from CDs was down 6.7% because of falling CD prices. Record companies appear to recognize that many digital music buyers are purchasing a single or a few tracks from a CD, rather than purchase the CD. Because of this, they are pushing for flexible pricing for hot singles to allow them to recoup some of their lost sales. Officially, though, the music industry attributes declining sales to four causes:
Source: IFPI Posted by jlewin at 03:21 AM | Comments (0) Are Creative Commons-NC Licenses Harmful?Creative Commons licenses are becoming popular in the world of podcasting as a way of sharing music for podcasts and licensing podcasts. The licenses are not without controversy, though. In this article, Erik Möller offers a critique of some of the most popular Creative Commons options, the Creative Commons non-commercial licenses. The Case for Free Use: When the Creative Commons project published its first licenses in December 2002, it finally brought a sense of unity behind the free content movement. Instead of many scattered licenses, creators now have the option to pick the right license for their work using a simple tool. They only have to answer basic questions like: "Allow commercial uses? Allow modifications?" The tool then recommends one of the licenses developed by the Creative Commons team. They are legally sane, simple documents, specially adapted for various jurisdictions. In short, the Creative Commons project has made life a lot easier for everyone wanting to share content. One particular licensing option, however, is a growing problem for the free content community. It is the allow non-commercial use only (-NC) option. The "non-commercial use only" variants of the Creative Commons licenses are non-free, and in some ways worse than traditional copyright law -- because it can be harder to move away from them once people have made the choice. There may be circumstances where -NC is the only (and therefore best) available option, but that number of circumstances should decrease as the business models around free content evolve. The key problems with -NC licenses are as follows:
Incompatibility Free content is no longer a fringe movement -- it is something millions of people use every day. Wikipedia, a free content encyclopedia built by volunteers, contains over 2 million entries in more than 100 languages and is among the largest 50 websites on the planet. Moreover, its growth continues, as does its integration into search engines. Google features Wikipedia definitions in some queries, as well as through the integration of Wikipedia mirror Answers.com in the top right corner of search results. Other search engines, such as Amazon.com's A9, Clusty.com, and Web.de have even integrated Wikipedia directly into their user interfaces. This success if the result of less than 5 years of work. Clearly, free content is here to stay. But, in part to make uses like the above possible, free content sites like Wikipedia explicitly allow and encourage commercial use. As we will see, there are many desirable commercial uses. More importantly, however, if you choose an -NC license, your work will not be compatible with Wikipedia, Wikinews, Wikibooks, and similar free content projects. One reason for this is that licenses like Wikipedia's, the GNU Free Documentation License, work according to the copyleft (or, in Creative Commons terminology, "share-alike") principle: You can make derivative works, but they have to be licensed under the same terms. You cannot make a derivative work through addition of -NC content, as you can no longer apply the (more liberal) "share-alike" license to the entire work. Even where the license allows it, marking up regions of content as non-commercial and consistently following these boundaries is almost impossible in a collaborative environment. Imagine a website with collaboratively edited text that is partially -NC licensed. As text is copied from one region to another and modifications are made, it is likely that the license will be violated, or that it will have to be applied to more and more text to stay legally safe. Finally, many free content communities reject -NC licenses simply for philosophical reasons like the ones outlined in this document. For example, the Wikimedia Commons, a media repository operated by Wikipedia's Wikimedia Foundation and containing more than 200,000 files, does not allow uploads under restrictive licenses such as the -NC variants. Yet, it is an immensely powerful archive: Any file in the Commons is instantly usable in all Wikimedia projects, in all languages. Communities like Wikimedia do not exist for their own gain -- they try to provide and archive free content. Putting your own content under a license recognized by these communities will keep it alive, and will encourage people to make active use of it in many different contexts. Basic uses What is commercial use? The relevant clause out of Creative Commons non-commercial ("-NC") licenses, such as the "Attribution-NonCommercial" license, is this one: You may not exercise any of the rights granted to You ...in any manner that is primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or private monetary compensation. Many bloggers and blog communities on the web use advertising as a way to recoup costs and generate income. Popular bloggers, from Andrew Sullivan to Markos Zúniga (Dailykos), have turned their hobbies into professions, but even smaller publications often use Google Ads to make some extra money. Ask yourself if you really want to stop all these individuals from using your work. Other examples of commercial uses include compilations which are sold. For example, if one MP3 music file which is licensed for non-commercial use only is included among thousands on a DVD collecting free music and sold for a small personal profit, that is a violation of the license. Note that it is not the amount of the financial gain which matters, it is the intention of the user. Intentions are, of course, difficult to prove, and in many cases, it is best to be cautious. In any case, any use in a corporate context would almost certainly forbidden, such as the inclusion of the file on a CD bundled with a computer magazine. Existing copyright terms For a long time, international copyright law has been written by content distributors. This has resulted in effectively infinite copyright terms. A work which is published in 2010 will remain protected until 2100 if the author dies in 2030 (the duration of protection in the United States and Europe is "life of the author plus 70 years"). This does not even take into account possible future, retroactive copyright term extensions (nor, of course, reductions -- but these have never happened so far). While you may feel you are making a donation to the public domain when licensing your work under an -NC variant, you are effectively supporting the existing, extremely long international copyright terms. The restrictions on commercial use will remain in place until the copyright of your work expires which, for most practical purposes, is never. To solve this problem, you could specify that the work falls back to a more permissive license such as CC-BY (attribution only), or to the public domain, after 5 years or any other amount. You could also choose a more permissive license to begin with. Profit! The most obvious argument in favor of -NC licenses is that they prevent your work from commercial exploitation by others. However, keep in mind that in this age, distribution is something which cannot just be done by large corporations -- it can be done by anyone with an Internet connection or a DVD burner. Even large files like movies can be effectively distributed using mechanisms such as BitTorrent. This means that if your work is popular and of high quality, it will be available on the Internet for free -- because the license makes it possible. The moment you choose any Creative Commons license, you choose to give away your work. Any market built around content which is available for free must either rely on goodwill or ignorance. The potential to benefit financially from mere distribution is therefore quite small. Where it exists due to a predominance of old media, it is likely to disappear rapidly. The people who are likely to be hurt by an -NC license are not large corporations, but small publications like weblogs, advertising-funded radio stations, or local newspapers. Indeed, to make a substantial profit with your work, a company will have to provide added value beyond what is available for free. An -NC license stops any such attempt to add value in its tracks. But there is an alternative. The Creative Commons "Share-Alike" licenses require any work derived from your own to be made available as free content, as a whole. (The licenses without a share-alike clause only guarantee that the part of the work created by you remains free.) Any company trying to exploit your work will have to make their "added value" available for free to everyone. Seen like this, the "risk" of exploitation turns into a potentially powerful benefit. This principle works very well in many areas of free content and free software development. Most notably, the Linux operating system kernel is licensed under a share-alike (or copyleft) license. Many companies make use of customized versions of the kernel, for example, to include it in embedded devices. All improvements made by these companies can be used by the main Linux kernel development team. If the kernel was under an -NC license, the commercial use of Linux would be impossible. Another interesting tale of commercial use is the German DVD version of Wikipedia. Produced by a company called Directmedia, it has quickly become a bestseller in Amazon.de's software category. Yet, to make that DVD, Directmedia had to cooperate with Wikipedians -- who helped to prepare the data by making it searchable and sortable, and to weed out articles not ready for publication. Directmedia has, in return, donated a substantial percentage of the profits from the DVD to Wikipedia's mother organization. It has also made a separate "donation" of 10,000 reproductions of public domain paintings to the Wikimedia Commons. The Wikipedia DVD was a working business model because it provided added value: an offline reader software which did not previously exist, combined with a well-organized effort to whip the content into shape. It also showed that beyond the copyleft principles, any highly successful cooperation with commercial entities around free content is likely to depend on mutual goodwill. Another illustration of the same principle is Answers.com, a commercial Wikipedia mirror, whose parent company pays for one of Wikimedia's developers, and has also been one of the sponsors of Wikimedia's 2005 conference, Wikimania. None of this is required by the license. Commercial use can be highly mutually beneficial where it does occur. The Share-Alike principle protects you from abusive exploitation, while not forbidding experiments. These experiments, however, are essential to build a true, innovative economy around free content. Especially when dealing with collaborative works, -NC makes such commercial experiments practically impossible, as every single contributor would have to give explicit permission. Conclusions The use of an -NC license is very rarely justifiable on economic or ideological grounds. It excludes many people, from free content communities to small scale commercial users, while the decision to give away your work for free already eliminates most large scale commercial uses. If you want to protect yourself against large scale exploitation, use a Share-Alike license. This applies doubly to governments and educational or scientific institutions: content which is of high cultural or educational value should be made available under conditions which will ensure its widespread use. If you see work online which is licensed under an -NC license, please kindly thank the creator for making their work available for free, and ask them to change the license (feel free to include a copy of this text, or a link to the network location where you found it). As a project with the goal to make licensing choices simple, Creative Commons has a responsibility to inform its users about the drawbacks of licenses which forbid commercial uses. Many individuals who choose an -NC license are unaware of the implications of such a decision. Hopefully, the license selection screen will include a brief summary of the arguments against licenses which forbid commercial use soon. Finally, if you must use such a license for one reason or another, please do add an additional notice specifying the term of copyright protection you desire for your work. Otherwise, traditional copyright law will apply, and commercial use will be forbidden long beyond your death. Erik Möller 2005. Originally published at Kuro5hin. This article is in the public domain. Feel free to use it for any purpose. It is also a living document whose editable main copy resides at http://www.intelligentdesigns.net/Licenses/NC. You are encouraged, but not required, to include this notice. Posted by jlewin at 02:50 AM | Comments (0) October 03, 2005Crack that nano!
Because Apple is replacing nanos with cracked screens, but not scratched screens, some are suggesting that the best way to get your scratched nano fixed it to just crack it. According to I4U News, "If your iPod nano screen gets too scratched, you know now what to do..." While this idea may appeal to some angry nano owners, less drastic approaches are available to deal with the issue of scratches. nano owner Todd Dailey has found a way to remove scratches from an iPod nano screen - polish it with Brasso. iPod nano cases are starting to appear, too. Angry nano owners should be warned that, based on the destruction that Ars Technica had to unleash to destroy their nano, cracking that nano could prove to be a real challenge.... Posted by jlewin at 09:56 PM | Comments (0) Separated at Birth?LuxPro has introduced the Pico MP3 player, which bears a striking resemblance to Apple's recently introduced nano.
The Pico, left, bears a strong resemblance to the nano, right. The LuxPro Pico will be available in 256MB, 512MB, 1Gb and 2Gb versions. It features a 1.5" OLED screen, USB 2.0, and an FM tuner. The player is compatible with Windows, OS X and Linux. Source: LuxPro Posted by jlewin at 08:23 AM | Comments (1) New Site Offers "iPodinating" ServiceiPodulator is a new site that lets users "iPodinate" URLs, turning Web pages into text files compatible with iPods' Notes feature. Enter any URL, and the service simplifies the content to work as a Note, and returns this as a text file that you can save to your Notes folder. URLs can be any standard web page, but RSS feeds may provide a more useful result. A special page for webmasters has been set up to make it easy to make your site Notes-compatible. As an example, here is the main Podcasting News feed, "iPodinated": The Notes feature is available on iPods with dock connectors. Source: iPodulator Posted by jlewin at 08:14 AM | Comments (0) Dealing with Scratched nano Screensnano owner Todd Dailey has found a way to deal with a scratched iPod nano screen - polish it with Brasso. In his blog post, Dailey details how he used Brasso and a soft cloth to remove scratches from both the metal back and plastic face of his iPod nano. Dailey comments, "The Brasso got rid of every single scratch. My nano looks completely, totally brand new." Posted by jlewin at 07:33 AM | Comments (0) Special Podcast Demos Surround SoundDiggnation, a weekly web/tech culture show, has collaborated with Dolby Laboratories to deliver a one-time demonstration podcast featuring a preview of Dolby Headphone technology. "Dolby Headphone technology offers 5.1 surround sound via any type of headphones, from the inexpensive bud-style headphones to high-end electrostatic headphones," said Jack Buser, Director, Consumer Electronics Technology, Dolby Laboratories. With Dolby Headphone-enabled devices, consumers can listen to music and watch movies with the dramatic surround effects of a 5.1-channel soundtrack. Dolby Headphone technology creates a spacious and natural sound field that listeners can enjoy for hours. Further, with Dolby Headphone, users can enjoy high-quality personal surround sound anytime, anywhere, and without disturbing family, roommates, or neighbors. Dolby Headphone technology can be included in almost anything that is equipped with a headphone output, such as portable DVD players, PCs, digital TVs, wireless products, and virtually any other device that can process stereo or multichannel audio. Posted by jlewin at 07:22 AM | Comments (0) October 02, 2005nano Case Offers Its Protection
The invisibleSHIELD is a protective clear film that is virtually indestructible, protecting nanos against scratches. The clear case carries a lifetime replacement guarantee and a 30-day, money-back policy. “The invisibleSHIELDTM was designed as an alternative choice to other iPod cases and skins that detract from the beauty of the device," said Phillip Chipping, president of Protective Solutions. "All Apple fans know Apple is all about the ‘look.’ You’re talking about hard-core designers here—why cover up the beauty they have worked so hard to create?” Posted by jlewin at 09:07 AM | Comments (0) October 01, 2005New Web-Based Podcast AggregatorFluctu8 is a new web-based podcast aggregator. According to the site developer, Fluctu8 aims to specialize in podcasts / rsscasts / atomcasts and supports all 3 formats with mp3, ogg, and flac. The site is in open beta testing. Posted by jlewin at 09:05 AM | Comments (0) Duke Educational Podcasting Symposium Webcasts AvailableDuke has made webcasts and a podcast available of sessions from its educational Podcasting Symposium, held Sept 28-29. Webcasts can be downloaded from the symposium site archive. The recordings are also available as the Duke University Podcasting Symposium. Posted by jlewin at 08:08 AM | Comments (0) DigitalSoundboard Using Podcast to Drive Indie Music SalesDigitalSoundboard.net, an online music download store that sells live performance recordings via downloads, has launched a new podcast service. DigitalSoundboard’s podcasts feature select full-length tracks from the website’s newest releases. The service lets users freely sample artists' music they may not be familiar with, prior to making a purchase. Additionally, the company’s new service provides DigitalSoundboard.net’s Artist partners with a new way if introducing their live sound to potential new fans on a cost-free basis. "It’s fairly common knowledge that terrestrial radio is playing content that interests roughly 10 percent of people. Artists outside of terrestrial radio’s mainstream programming struggle to get their music heard by the masses. DigitalSoundboard.net’s podcasting service knocks down barriers for public access barriers to our Artist partners music," states Dave Morrison, Co-founder of DigitalSoundboard. Morrison continues, "Podcasting is proving to be a cost-efficient way of marketing our Artist partners' music and driving additional download sales of their music." Posted by jlewin at 08:01 AM | Comments (0) |
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Copyright 2004-5 Podcasting News
Peachpit Press has released a new book for current and potential podcasters, Secrets of Podcasting: Audio Blogging for the Masses.
Belkin has introduced two lines of new cases for the iPod nano.
Flip Case for iPod nano (F8Z059) - (ERP) $299.99
Folio Case for iPod nano (F8Z058) - (ERP) $299.99
The iTunes Music Store may need a new name.
The gurus at the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) have introduced a video podcast, Adobe® Photoshop TV.
PC Week readers have ranked Apple's iPods as the top portable MP3 players, as part of the magazine's 18th Annual Reader Satisfaction Survey.
The 
MuffPod's Muff line of iPod cases feature furry polar fleece interiors to prevent scratches, and tough exteriors to protect iPods from abuse. 
Splasm Software has introduced Podner, an easy way to get movies into an iTunes-compatible format.
It used to be that students that couldn't make it through Hamlet had to at least read the Cliffs Notes study guide. Now, students can listen to study guides on classic English literature on their iPods. 
Rocker Liz Phair has introduced a podcast, titled (you guessed it!) the Liz Phair Podcast.
Disney ABC Television Group VP Albert Chang sees delivering media content on mobile devices as key to future growth.
What do you get when you mix Playmates, fake news and video podcasting? 
Odiogo has introduced an application that lets users listen to the latest news content from hundreds of news sources and blogs via MP3 players, PDAs, phones, or laptop computers.
Here's something to keep in mind next time you're thinking about ho much the latest music gadget costs. A lifetime of music will set you back $37,000.
Griffin Technology has introduced the new iMic USB audio adapter, an updated version of its USB audio adapter. iMic allows you to connect virtually any microphone or sound input device to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC systems with a USB port.
Researchers are testing a new option for deploying broadband Internet - airships. A successful trial of the technology has been conducted by researchers, led by the University of York in the UK.
The latest 
Apple has announced updates to its PowerBook G4 line of notebook computers, adding higher-resolution displays and up to one hour more battery life on the 15- and 17-inch models. In addition, every new PowerBook now includes a DVD burning SuperDrive, with prices starting at just $1,499.
ITV, one of the UK's leading terrestrial broadcasters, is testing a Internet-based television service. The service will let users create their own schedules and broadcasts. 
Danish soldiers on missions to Iraq and Kosovo are testing a new tool for combating stress: MP3 pillows that play new-age music. 
Apple has added a 
Griffin Technology has introduced the AirClick with Dock Connector, a wireless remote control for iPods.
Griffin Technology has introduced iFM with dock connector, a device which adds FM radio tuning and remote control functionality to the iPod. 
Patrafico has introduced the Pez MP3 player. Not as exciting as 
Apple has introduced iTunes 6, the next generation of the their popular music jukebox and online music store.
Apple has introduced a new section to the iPod area of Apple.com that features solutions for integrating iPods into car stereo systems.
Japan's music industry is calling for a tax on MP3 players. 
Yahoo has released a 
Blue Microphones is now shipping the Snowball USB Microphone. Designed for desktop recording applications such as podcasting, the Snowball mic’s universal driver and plug & play USB compatibility make recording into a laptop or DAW easy.
Apple has sent out invitations to an invitation-only press conference Tuesday, Oct. 12. The invitation just says “One more thing...” 
BoxWave has introduced FlexiSkin iPod nano cases. 
Apple has been dogged by complaints about 
Protective Solutions has introduced the invisibleSHIELD protector, the first invisible scratch protector and case for the Apple iPod nano.